

Colin McCahon was a groundbreaking New Zealand artist, known for his powerful landscapes and bold use of words in painting. Born in Timaru in 1919, he grew up in Dunedin and studied at the Dunedin School of Art. His work often explored themes of faith, doubt, and the New Zealand environment. McCahon reimagined biblical stories in local settings and developed a unique style that combined text, abstract forms, and natural landscapes. He worked at the Auckland City Art Gallery and later taught at Elam School of Fine Arts, influencing many younger artists. Today, McCahon is widely recognised as one of Aotearoa’s most important modern artists.