Painter and sculptor Hone Papita Raukura "Ralph" Hotere (1931–2013) was widely regarded as one of the country's most important contemporary artists.

Hotere’s early years were spent in Northland, surrounded by a large whānau (descendents of Te Aupōuri and Te Rarawa Māori tribes). After studying art at the Auckland and Dunedin Teachers’ Training Colleges, Hotere worked as a schools art advisor for the Education Department. In 1961 he was awarded an Association of NZ Art Societies Fellowship, which took him to England and Europe. Hotere moved to Dunedin in 1969 to become the Francis Hodgkins Fellow at the University of Otago, and later in 1994 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University.

During his later years Hotere was officially recognised as a leader in his field. In 2003 Hotere received an Icon Award from the Arts Foundation of New Zealand; and in the New Year Honours 2012 he was appointed to the Order of New Zealand for services to New Zealand.

Hotere’s death in February 2013 was a huge loss for New Zealand’s art communities and the country as a whole. Hotere’s artwork is held in the collections of various public art galleries (including Auckland, New Plymouth and Dunedin), leaving his art for future generations to enjoy.

Red on Black is an example of Hotere’s characteristic black ‘minimal art’, many of which include thin cruciforms as the only other colour. Surface sheen and tonal variations have played a large part in the effectiveness of the works. The visual meanings of Hotere’s art were heavily influenced by his Māori heritage, as well as national and local politics.

This work is part of a series of prints produced by Barry Lett Galleries in 1969.