Colin McCahon

Born 1 August 1919 in Timaru, although his family lived in Dunedin.
Was interested in art from an early age.
Took art classes with Russell Clark in Dunedin, and was strongly influenced by an exhibition by Toss Woollaston in 1936.
Studied at Dunedin School of Art from 1937-1939, but was mostly self-taught.
Married the artist Anne Hamblett in 1941, and moved to Christchurch. Became a member of The Group, a Christchurch group of artists, and showed his work regularly in their exhibitions.
Spent time in Nelson, then moved to Auckland to an appointment as Keeper at the Auckland City Art Gallery in 1953.
Painted a number of religious works that placed events from Christ's life in a New Zealand setting. Was the first New Zealand artist to use words and numbers as part of his art.
Visited the United States in 1958, and used that experience to introduce new ideas to his work.
Became Lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Fine Arts 1964-1970.
Regarded as the most important modern artist New Zealand has produced, particularly in his landscape work.
Died 27 May1987, in Auckland.

Works include