Visible Mysteries no. 8 by Colin McCahon

Being

Creative visual thinking is fundamental to us all as human beings as we strive to understand our sense of self and the world. Chartwell seeks to deepen understanding about the importance of art and creative thinking for our future and our wellbeing.

Making

Chartwell supports artists as they make and think. Making is an active and connected process, involving the interaction of intention, intuition and intellect with the mediums of the world. Chartwell is making too - making a difference through philanthropy and enabling access to creative activities and research.

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Visible Mysteries no. 8

Tom Learner from the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles

Visible Mysteries no. 8

Artist

Colin McCahon
Production Date

1968
Medium

acrylic on board
Size

1245 x 631 x 45 mm
Credit

Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 1986
Accession Number

C1994/1/177
Accession Date

May 1986
Department

New Zealand Art
Classification

Painting
Collection

Chartwell
Subjects

hearts, Christianity, religious art, religious symbolism, symbols, faith, Koru
Description

On a black background a white heart, a symbol of love and sacrifice, floats above a horizontal form suggesting an altar; beneath it a koru shape. Unlike the other works in the series, the altar is curved with no base or sides, its atmospheric paint work suggesting a sky to the rounded land form of the black background. The inclusion of the blood red or kokowai koru is also unique, inviting a range of interpretations. It can be read as Christ’s blood; the blood spilt when Ranginui (sky father) and Papatuanuku (earthmother) were separated by Tanemahuta, or the life force of the land. (McCahon's Visible Mysteries, 2004)