Part of a major meditation on the “Human condition”, this series was inspired by surfers and sun baskers at one with nature at Auckland’s Piha Beach – where Douglas’ parents lived at the time. Worked in both watercolour and oil, Douglas cryptically noted in his battered painting record journal that the subject was an ‘old couple naked on dark’ [background]. It is the natural counterbalance to a youthful pair representing hope in Creatures in Space – Beginning 1967. Creatures in Space VII came to New Zealand for MacDiarmid’s 1969 solo exhibition at Suter Art Gallery, Nelson. Listed in the show catalogue as No 24, $40.00.