Public Sculpture: He toi whakairo, he mana tangata is an exhibition of models/plans for public sculptures at The Fisher Gallery, the public gallery serving Manukau City.
Ten of New Zealand’s leading sculptors are putting work into this project: Chris Booth, Bronwynne Cornish, Charlotte Fisher, Brett Graham, Robert Jahnke, Michael Parekowhai, Terry Stringer, Marte Szirmay, Greer Twiss, and Warren Viscoe.
They have been commissioned to supply an idea for a public sculpture. The Interior Design Guild has given us the money to do this.
The artists have been working over the past ten months to produce an idea that will act as a location marker for the Fisher Gallery and its activities, will be an appropriate public work for Manukau City and will add to the quality of existence and identity of the city. The exhibition includes models that are small works in themselves and working drawings. Together they will provide a unique insight into the processes of the artist, and the basis for selection of the final work.
Manukau City has a strong cultural identity that is characterised by diverse ethnic groups and significant Polynesian populations. In a city with a reputation for creating exciting new art that rides the boundaries between western and Pacific cultures, the public sculpture that is commissioned to be built will celebrate the identity of the city.
Ivan Mercep (consultant with Jasmax Architects) was on the original team that designed the Fisher Gallery in 1983, he is assisting the Fisher Gallery to site the work. The weakness of the Fisher Gallery frontage has been compounded by the recent building arrangements in the area - this sculpture project will also help to highlight the services offered by the gallery and the Community Centre which is adjacent.
Press
→ Fresh blooms on a relevant cheek, New Zealand Herald, 10-10-1996
Ephemera
→ Public Sculpture: He toi whakairo, he mana tangata, 1996, exhibition card