a constant flow of light

26 June 2008

Fifty years on since Colin McCahon began his renowned work Tomorrow will be the same but not as this is, this focus exhibition from the Christchurch Art Gallery’s Collection brings together remarkable works spanning the life of this great modern painter, and points to the ‘afterlives’ of his art in the works of two later artists: New Zealander Mervyn Williams and the renowned Australian painter Imants Tillers.

From early cubism to stark later works, the exhibition reveals the constancy of light as a theme. There is a special focus on the body of work McCahon created in 1958 and 1959 - the period of his first trip to the USA and coincidentally exactly 50 years ago.

The exhibition is also an opportunity to see two of McCahon’s works which have a somewhat controversial past.  Painting from 1958 is a daringly abstract painting that was co-winner of the Hay’s Prize in 1960. Subsequently offered to the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, it was rejected by the City Council (which had responsibility for approving all art purchases in those days). ‘When it was made, the work was widely viewed as ‘incomprehensible’ with Mayor George Manning describing it as ‘unsuitable’ for the public art collection,” says Christchurch Art Gallery Director Jenny Harper.  In the end, however, the Gallery benefited as a number of local residents, appalled by the decision, began a three-year fundraising campaign to purchase Tomorrow will be the same but not as this is on behalf of Christchurch.

Fifty years on this controversy has subsided – replaced around the world by huge respect for McCahon’s work.  He is represented in a range of public and private collections around the world with his legacy extended through works by artists like Williams and Tillers, both of whom were inspired and influenced by his art.

This exhibition continues the focus on McCahon in the exhibition of his work from the National Gallery of Australia, seen recently at Christchurch Art Gallery.

a constant flow of light will be at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu until September.

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