Gordon Walters (1919-95), New Zealand,
Makaro, 1969, PVA and acrylic paint on canvas. Purchased 1970

Reworking of the koru

Walters’ rows of interlocking blue and white lengths create an ambiguous optical effect that’s very seductive to the eye. They seem almost to shimmer and move.

The designs are derived from the Māori koru (frond-like spiral) motif, best known from painted heke (rafters) in meeting houses. But Walters has straightened the ‘stem’ and integrated the foreground and background in a way not seen in customary Māori contexts.

Walters was criticised for appropriating Māori art without regard to its cultural meanings. He responded: 'all I have done with the koru motif is make a reference to it and naturally, since I’m a contemporary Pakeha artist, the result is not Maori art. It’s not supposed to be.'