Para Matchitt

Crucifix

Artwork Detail

In 1967 historian Joan Metge noted that Māori artists at the time were not rejecting their Māoriness, but that they were pioneering a style of art relevant to their ‘modern’ experiences. Crucifix is an example of this idea. Matchitt carved Crucifix when he was an arts advisor living in Hamilton and active in his Māori and Catholic communities.

Christ bears a three-fingered hand which represents the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Chiselled marks used in customary carving define the torso. Christ’s extended and gaping neck evokes the violence at the final stage of his death.

Title
Crucifix
Artist/creator
Para Matchitt
Production date
1964
Medium
wood (matai)
Dimensions
600 x 400 x 14 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, The Ilene and Laurence Dakin Bequest, purchased 2007
Accession no
2007/12
Copyright
Copying restrictions apply
Department
New Zealand Art
Display status
Not on display

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