Colin McCahon, 'Koru, 1, 2, 3', 1965 - Print - wholesale

In 1965, Colin McCahon was becoming increasingly interested in Maori culture, and exploring the use of numerals as forms and symbols in his art. Here, he combines these two interests, giving the numerals the frond-like forms of the koru – a spiral motif found in Maori art.

Like so much of McCahon’s work, Koru, 1, 2, 3 is also underpinned by Christian ideas. The three-part painting refers to the Trinity – God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Other connections are suggested too. The embryo-like forms of the last two panels evoke the beginning of life. The lines that link them hint at a pathway or journey – a recurring image in McCahon’s art.

Te Papa Store collection of exclusive fine art prints, reproductions are drawn from the Te Papa Collections. Each print is formatted to best represent the works. Each print is sampled and colour tested alongside the original. Over the last 6 months Te Papa Photography have re-photographed works that may not have been photographed over the last 10 years to ensure Te Papa store has the latest up to date digital files for printing.

Our Premium Fine Art prints:

All giclee prints get produced on archival papers on an Epson Surecolor 64" which uses Ultrachrome K3 inks. Pigment inks that ensure the widest possible colour tonal range in digital printing.

Hahnemuhle German hing paper is 310gsm, 100% Cellulose, acid free, archival paper
Image size: 1100 x 514mm including 8mm border

Image colours may differ on personal devices compared to the physical print due to screen variations.