SCAPE success down to a fine art

A 5.5-metre “glowing” bronze monument” and a stunning kotuku artwork will take centre stage as SCAPE mixes present and past on the 20th anniversary of SCAPE Public Art in city spaces.

Past highlights return to the spotlight as the six-week programme draws together myriad strands from the event’s history to integrate with new works focused on the “Our Braided Future” theme.

The spring season, which will be launched tonight, features a wealth of free-to-see projects and special events showcasing the changing central environment.

Mirror image: Kotuku by Caroline Rothwell at North Hagley Park.

Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Karena Finnie says SCAPE Season 2018 showcases the impact of large-scale art on the environment, prompting people to engage with their new-look city.

“We always strive to champion a fresh perspective when it comes to our city, and this year’s free SCAPE season certainly lets us use our imagination and explore,” Ms Finnie says.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have works by some of the world’s most famous artists literally in our backyard, and to have the opportunity to also learn more about our own artistic identity.”

A towering bronze sculpture by Turner Prize-winning British artist Tony Cragg – titled Mixed Feelings – and more than a dozen new public artworks by local and international artists will be on display from 6 October to 17 November.

Cragg’s work – formed by intertwining towers that spiral towards the sky – will be on show in the Christ’s College Quadrangle as part of the SCAPE Public Art Walkway.

As the viewer circles the piece, human profiles come into and out of focus.

SCAPE Public Art Executive Director Deborah McCormick says Cragg’s sculptures “are comparable to the works of Picasso in terms of reputation and reverence”.

Over the past 20 years, 216 temporary works have set the scene for the Public Art event while 14 permanent pieces continue to complement the re-energised cityscape.

A familiar piece, Kotuku by Caroline Rothwell, has just landed in Albert Lake, North Hagley Park, following its 2002 SCAPE appearance, while Auckland-based Paul Hartigan’s Alphabetica Redux will revisit the process of drawing with light first explored in 2004.

Ms McCormick underlines the importance of honouring SCAPE’s past and embracing an exciting future.

“We wanted to integrate a continuum into this year’s 20th anniversary celebrations to reflect our past, present and future,” she says.

Among the new pieces are works by Tom Dale, Hannah Beehre, Erica van Zon, Piri Cowie, Brett Graham, Chris Ulutupu, Ben Pearce and George Rickey.

The anniversary will also be marked with the permanent installation of pieces by Nathan Pohio and David McCracken.