Colin McCahon
Visible Mysteries no. 8
Artwork Detail
On a black background a white heart, a symbol of love and sacrifice, floats above a horizontal form suggesting an altar; beneath it a koru shape. Unlike the other works in the series, the altar is curved with no base or sides, its atmospheric paint work suggesting a sky to the rounded land form of the black background. The inclusion of the blood red or kokowai koru is also unique, inviting a range of interpretations. It can be read as Christ’s blood; the blood spilt when Ranginui (sky father) and Papatuanuku (earthmother) were separated by Tanemahuta, or the life force of the land. (McCahon's Visible Mysteries, 2004)
- Title
- Visible Mysteries no. 8
- Artist/creator
- Production date
- 1968
- Medium
- acrylic on board
- Dimensions
- 1245 x 631 x 45 mm
- Inscription
- primary: signed & dated l.r.cnr., oil, "Colin McCahon/ Sept.68.". also signed & dated reverse u.c., oil, "Colin/ McCahon/ Sept '68/ Visible Mysteries/ no.8". secondary: see primary. numbered l.r.cnr., oil, "NO.8".
- Credit line
- Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 1986
- Accession no
- C1994/1/177
- Copyright
- Copying restrictions apply
- Department
- New Zealand Art
- Display status
- Not on display
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