Structure for Scape

A strange building has appeared on the riverbank near the Hereford Street Bridge.  The Glass Pavilion by Gregor Kregear is part of the Scape Public Art 2017 season.

It’s constructed from industrial waste materials considered not to be of use or commercial value: bricks of recycled glass, salvaged timber, and re-purposed neon lights.  “The work seeks to acknowledge ways in which the fabric of the destroyed city has in some cases found a new purpose, and pay homage to the fortitude and resilience of Christchurch communities, while also encouraging us to pause to consider the new forms of architecture repopulating the built environment.”

Apparently it’s lit up after dark and looks amazing.  Definitely worth a nighttime drive past.

“This shelter with its wooden roof
would possibly not be rainproof.”

 

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Sustaining the Swamps

These Tree Houses for Swamp Dwellers were installed in 2013.  I hadn’t realised until today that they had real grass, and of course it needs to be weeded occasionally.  That’s what these people appear to be doing.

“You would be pleased to see these fellas
if you were overgrown swamp dwellers.”

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Cardboard Cathedral

An alternative cardboard cathedral was erected yesterday in the Market Square of the Arts Centre.  French artist Olivier Grossetete wanted to make something magical in the heart of the city.  With the help of many volunteers he used cardboard boxes and tape to create an exciting construction, which will be demolished at 3pm this afternoon.  It’s an interesting coincidence that this temporary cathedral was erected on the same day that the Anglican Synod finally made the decision to restore our Cathedral in the Square.

“A cardboard building led the way
while Synod members had their say.”

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Len Lye

The Len Lye exhibition at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu must not be missed!  It’s on until 26 November, and several visits may be required.  Len Lye’s sculptures are simply breathtaking, with a great deal of light, sound, and movement.  Some rooms are dark and it takes a moment to accustom yourself to this, so you can appreciate the wonderful fountains.

Fountains

While these fountains play continuously, other pieces perform at stated intervals, and you need to be on the lookout for them.  I loved the Witch Dance, where the figures whirled and gyrated – will need to go and see that again.  Unfortunately my camera can’t do it justice.

Witch Dance

Len’s films are also amazing, the early ones made by laboriously drawing thousands of images, which give the illusion of movement when seen in rapid sequence.  Tusalava’s images were based on Australian Wittchetty grubs, and they dance joyfully to music.

Tusalava

This is an extraordinary exhibition, and we can be especially proud that Len was a New Zealand artist.

“Do not dare to miss Len Lye
his sculptures must not be passed by.”

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Accessible Areas

Both quads of the Arts Centre are now open, and hosting new sculptures.  I couldn’t find any reference to title or artist for these, but gather they may be the work of fine arts students, and part of the Whakahoki exhibition.

Sculpture in North Quad

Sculpture in South Quad

“These sculptures don’t yet have a name
denying those artists their fame.”

 

 

 

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Tributaries feeding tributaries

‘Putahi; tributaries feeding tributaries’ is the title of a new exhibition by Otautahi Korerotia.

Three talented young artists have created works which depict the many social, material, and ecological streams that flow around our community cottage.  Liv Worsnop, a Plant Gangster, led a group who have cared for the green space all over the Avon Loop.

Seeds from the community

Mikaela Marshall observed the various traffics in the area and depicted them within a lightbox.  Phoebe Hinchcliff asked locals to fill in a questionnaire about what community means.  She transferrred the answers into haunting music which plays within the exhibition.

The whole experience is delightful.  The exhibition will be open again on Wednesday evening, May 3rd, between 5 and 8pm, and is well worth a visit.

“These artists took a different view
to show the Loop to me and you.”

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Neat Nasturtiums

Walking south on Colombo Street I spied this pretty mural with nasturtiums.  The name on it is Filigree, which is a jewellery maufacturer at 447 Colombo Street.

“The sign to advertise their shop
was bound to make this writer stop.”

 

 

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