A limited edition opportunity- The Colin McCahon Legacy Project

Article

22 Nov

Introducing a limited-edition reproduction of one of McCahon's artworks, crafted to support the Colin McCahon Legacy Project. In partnership with Webb’s, the Project has made these prints available for purchase — giving supporters a chance to own a piece of McCahon’s legacy, while contributing to the preservation of his work.

Install shot of Colin McCahon, *Clouds 3*, 1975 (2024). Reproduction courtesy of the Colin McCahon Trust

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Webb’s has a long and illustrious history with Colin McCahon.

"Once I fell under McCahon's spell I couldn't let him out of my sight. He was my guru." - Peter Webb

In 1954, our founder Peter Webb joined the Auckland City Art Gallery staff as a 22-year-old student assistant. During his time at the Gallery, Peter met Colin McCahon, who was serving as a curator. In December 1958, Peter established Auckland’s first dealer gallery, the Argus Gallery, launching it with Colin McCahon's first solo exhibition in Auckland, titled Recent Oils—a showcase of McCahon's Titirangi paintings. Over the ensuing decades, Webb’s Auction House has had the privilege of handling some of McCahon’s most significant artworks, including Is There Anything of Which One Can Say Look This Is New, which set the New Zealand auction record for the highest price ever achieved for a piece of art.

The Colin McCahon Legacy Project

Colin McCahon, born 1 August 1919 in Timaru, Aotearoa, is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists. Alongside painters like Rita Angus and Toss Woollaston, McCahon helped introduce modernism to New Zealand. His work is epic, and it contributes to the way we see Aotearoa.

The Colin McCahon Legacy Project is an interactive digital platform that will showcase the artist’s remarkable life and works, significantly enhancing the beloved existing catalogue at mccahon.co.nz. It will continue to serve researchers, collectors, and enthusiasts by providing access to verified works by McCahon.

The new platform will offer increased accessibility and functionality, creating innovative ways to engage with McCahon’s exceptional life and work.

Accompanied by an educational resource for senior secondary students, this project will provide access for millions of viewers both in Aotearoa and abroad.

It is an exceptional project, initiated by the Colin McCahon Trust alongside experts from: The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, and the McCahon Family. It is endorsed by former prime ministers, internationally acclaimed contemporary artists, and communities across New Zealand.

New features within the McCahon Legacy Project will include:

• Visual descriptions for each of McCahon’s 1,800+ works

• Expanded catalogue entries including contextual information and literary references

• High resolution, zoomable images

• A media-rich biography of McCahon’s life and work

• Diverse perspectives on McCahon’s enduring impact and significance.

We invite you to support and celebrate McCahon’s legacy through this exciting new initiative.

Colin McCahon, Clouds 3, 1975 (2024), Reproduction courtesy of the Colin McCahon Trust
screenprint on 640gsm Hahnemühle cold pressed paper, edition of 100, 1035 × 700mm
PRICE $12,000+GST (unframed)