Colin McCahon, UNTITLED {PORTRAIT}, 1956, oil on hardboard, 542 x 469mm, 755 x 685 x 45mm framed

Reflecting on the journey of one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated modernist artists, Gow Langsford presents a solo exhibition of works by Colin McCahon at the Onehunga flagship gallery. Spanning four decades, with works from 1947 through to the end of his career in the 1980s, the exhibition offers a rich insight into the evolution of his artistic voice and the social, cultural, and personal contexts that shaped his practice. As McCahon stated in his 1972 Survey Exhibition Catalogue: “My painting is almost entirely autobiographical—it tells you where I am at any given time, where I am living and the direction I am pointing in.”

McCahon’s legacy is far-reaching and remains vital in today’s world. His bold integration of text and image, alongside his engagement with existential inquiries, continues to influence contemporary artists in Aotearoa and beyond. This survey exhibition not only celebrates McCahon’s pioneering role in modern art but also explores the enduring relevance of his work. His practice continues to challenge viewers to reflect on the human condition and our relationship with the land, faith, and wider society.