Colin McCahon: A Centenary Exhibition

Colin McCahon is New Zealand’s most famous modern painter. His artwork triggers recognition and respect but can also create division, with some people enthralled and others perplexed.

This exhibition celebrates the centenary of McCahon’s birth. All of these works are cared for by the Te Manawa Museums Trust, and they provide a cross-section of McCahon’s art practice and development over his career.

The first of these works was collected in the 1960s, when McCahon was a rising star and not a household name. The last was acquisitioned in 1986, at the end of his career. This was a very active period of collecting by the former Manawatū Art Gallery.

McCahon’s work is often challenging to interpret. This exhibition aims to provide clues and tools to help the viewer gain a new understanding and enjoyment from some of New Zealand’s most iconic art works.

Nau mai, haere mai - Open daily. General admission is free - donations welcome. 0800-4-A-MUSEUM.