Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand

Black Painting XIII, from 'Malady' a poem by Bill Manhire

Object | Part of Art collection

item details

NameBlack Painting XIII, from 'Malady' a poem by Bill Manhire
ProductionRalph Hotere; artist; 1970; Dunedin
Classificationpaintings
Materialsacrylic paint, canvas
Materials Summaryacrylic on canvas
DimensionsImage: 1776mm (height), 914mm (length)
Registration Number1971-0024-1
Credit linePurchased 1971

Overview

There are few things I can say about my work that are better than saying nothing.

Ralph Hotere, 1996

Ralph Hotere rarely spoke about his art but believed in the power of words and often incorporated the writing of New Zealand poets. This painting draws on a pattern poem by Bill Manhire – a play on the words ‘malady’, ‘melody’, and ‘my lady’.