Artwork brings Asian flavour

RHIANNON HORRELL

Hidden among a grove of trees in Albert Park is a bright red temple waiting for visitors.

Designed by emerging artists Tessa Laird and Tiffany Singh, the pair have created a point of contrast and the small temple is set to be repainted with a new colour every six months.

The artwork is one of 18 around Auckland University, AUT and the learning quarter district as part of an Auckland City Council public art trail that launches tomorrow.

Micro Sites has been commissioned by the council to engage younger artists through smaller projects.

Kingsland resident and art lecturer Ms Laird says it's been exciting to be part of the initiative.

"I decided to collaborate with Tiffany because she had been doing installations at the Elam School of Fine Arts. She's a fun person to work with.

"We felt there is no public art in the vicinity that represents the Asian cultural influence. Auckland is a multi-cultural place but most of the art has a Maori or Pakeha perspective.

"We thought: `Let's do something with a strong Asian flavour'. We decided to place it in the bushes because it's about having a dialogue with nature."

She says Miss Singh appreciates the idea of a spiritualistic daily life.

Both have been in touch with the Thai Buddhist Association in Kelston for assistance and Thai builder Thawee Khampantip has spent a month constructing the piece. The temple artwork is on a rolling timetable where six artists will each have six months to care for it and paint it – so it will next be orange, then yellow, green, blue and violet.

Miss Singh says the piece fuses together cultures of Thai, Indian, Maori and Pacific peoples.

Council public art manager Rob Garrett says the Micro Sites project incorporates 12 artists with sound, light and sculptural exhibits too.

"Micro Sites is one approach to public art as part of the council's 30- year planning around the learning quarter. The council wanted to consider public art opportunities in that area."

Mr Garrett feels locals will respond to the intrigue, excitement and new discoveries that have been created by emerging talent.

"No one expects to see a trapeze swinging under a footbridge or signs that point to a mysterious destination. We wanted to have contemporary artists engage with city heritage sites."

- © Fairfax NZ News