McCahon/Van der Velden

Several generations separate Colin McCahon (1919–1987) and Petrus van der Velden (1837–1913) yet their work is rich in remarkable similarities. Both pursued their own kind of spirituality, informed by their love of and deep respect for nature, especially the New Zealand landscape. The work of both men was rich in religious symbolism. The use of light and dark in their landscape paintings provided a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment—darkness equating to doubt, light to belief.

Curated by Peter Vangioni.

Text extracted from Christchurch Art Gallery website.