Published 2003 by Tāhuhu Kōrero Toi Art History, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
45 pages
190 x 150mm, softcover, with black and white illustrations
Edited by Christina Barton
ISSN 0-475-12203-8

Elements of Modernism in Colin McCohn’s Early Work, by the eminent art historian Gordon H. Brown, explores the art of Colin McCahon prior to 1947, to explain the exact nature of his engagement with modernist principles and practices. Through the careful analysis of selected works and drawing on his extensive knowledge of McCahon’s life and letters, Brown offers rare insights into the artist’s sources, working processes and attitudes. This book is a vital addition to the critical appraisal of Colin McCahon, New Zealand’s most important twentieth-century artist.

The Gordon H. Brown Lecture Series is named in honour of the achievements of the distinguished New Zealand art historian. In December 2002, on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Victoria University of Wellington for his contributions to art history, Gordon H. Brown himself delivered the first lecture in the then-unnamed series. Brown's lecture was subsequently published as the first in the Gordon H. Brown Lecture Series publications.