Provenance

Dr Allan Godfrey Collection

Illustrated:

p. 211 Hanly, Gregory O'Brien, Ron Sang Publications 2012

Hanly's Golden Age series epitomises the culmination of a number of ideas and formal practices which had characterised his works since the 1960s. In the late 1970s, Hanly had distinguished himself as a socially aware and politically active artist of great repute and national importance, These works are about our capicity for transformation.

Golden Age 4 is an emblematic work which embodies the most sought-after and iconic aspects of Hanly's output at this time. Compositionally speaking, the work speaks a language of geometric and linear fluidity: background, foreground, form and colour field do not exist as distinct elements but rather form aspects of a magnificent patchwork. The strength of the sexual human body is unapologetically depicted and celebrated as three bold, colourful forms converge across the canvas. Though they appear to be of an unshakeable force, the dripped application of colourful paint along the silhouettes instils a kinetic energy.

The force and dynamism contained within this painting creates an interaction which demands an active exchange of energy. The boldness of colour and forms depicted are not an extension of any reality or specific point of reference, but rather offer a basis for finding common ground and universality.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge the uniqueness and value of this work for us as citizens of the South Pacific, for it was the very fact of our geographically-unique concerns of our identity, independence, environment and human rights which drove Hanly to create this visual manifesto. In Hanly's own words, the Golden Age is about how all races in harmony, love, live, despite greed and wars. Undoubtedly, this harmony is reflected in the rhythmic pulse of this work, and the result is an artistic utopia wherein joy is unfettered, and human love and expression without limits.