Visible Mysteries no. 8

On a black background a white heart, a symbol of love and sacrifice, floats above a horizontal form suggesting an altar; beneath it a koru shape. Unlike the other works in the series, the altar is curved with no base or sides, its atmospheric paint work suggesting a sky to the rounded land form of the black background. The inclusion of the blood red or kokowai koru is also unique, inviting a range of interpretations. It can be read as Christ’s blood; the blood spilt when Ranginui (sky father) and Papatuanuku (earthmother) were separated by Tanemahuta, or the life force of the land. (McCahon's Visible Mysteries, 2004)

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