Art historian Peter Simpson presented a beautiful summary of Colin McCahon's work on kauri at McCahon House yesterday.
Colin McCahon (1919-1987) is one New Zealand's most famous painters. From 1953 to 1959 he lived with his family in French Bay, Titirangi, in the Waitākere Ranges. His cottage at 67 Otitori Bay Road has been restored and hosts guided visits. An additional house has also been built for visiting artists in residence.
Kauri were a major inspiration to McCahon in this period. Around 50 of his paintings have a link or focus on kauri. Today, the kauri McCahon painted at his cottage are dying from kauri dieback disease. These trees which should have stood for another thousand years may now only survive in these paintings.