Art labyrinth wonder

BY RICHARD EDMONDSON

An artist is cementing Kawakawa's reputation as an arts destination - literally.

Matthew Nisbet is developing a sculpture park on a hillside overlooking the town's main street and the famous Hundertwasser toilets.

Mr Nisbet says Hundertwasser made Kawakawa a mini Mecca for art lovers.

A sculpture park is a logical next step for the town in its development as an art destination, he says.

"Kawakawa has got a great spirit, but it wouldn't have become art-focused without the Hundertwasser toilets."

Visitors to the Labyrinth Project - which will take three years to complete - will follow an access pathway that zig zags uphill through thousands of artworks.

"I want to create 50 different environments for people to walk through."

Features of the first stage, scheduled to open on Wai-tangi weekend, include a Garden of Fantastic.

"I'm trying to change people's head states."

The Labyrinth's main street frontage - a bird-themed, blue-tiled edifice inspired by the Babylonian Ishtar Gate in Berlin's Pergamon Museum - is also likely to have the wow factor.

"This is about creating spaces where people go: 'Oh my God that's different'."

An outdoor "showroom" will provide artists with a place to sell their artwork.

"We could have sculpture for sale ranging from $10,000 to $20,000," Mr Nisbet says.

Other features in the planning stage include studio space to allow artists to make and sell art at the Labyrinth.

"I plan to invite big name international artists based on the fact that we have Hundertwasser across the road."

Night lights and a mosaic waterfall are just a few of the other ideas he has for the site.

"I want to create a place where people can have a quiet moment and maybe a peak experience."

Mr Nisbet is thankful to long-time Kawakawa residents Norma Cummings and Kerry Wickman who have allowed him to lease the Gillies St site with first option to buy.

"They're supportive of anything that will uplift Kawakawa."

He is also grateful to the Far North District Council for allowing the project to go ahead.

"They have been incredibly open to a new concept."

Mr Nisbet won't divulge how much he has spent developing the site and admits he is taking a risk with the project.

"I'm probably not in my right mind, but I'm an artist so that balances out."

But that isn't stopping him from pursuing a dream 14 years in the making.

"I want to be involved with art that makes people bubble and feel good."

- © Fairfax NZ News