'Robot' takes a walk on the high side
BY EMMA BAILEY
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Beware – a wind-powered robot has been spotted lurking at Caroline Bay.
Michael Armstrong's sculpture, A lazy wind, has been installed at the Bay viaduct entrance as part of the Heartland Sculpture Challenge.
The sculpture, more than five metres high, is the third of eight to be installed.
"There is the current debate about humankind's use of resources and technologies, in which this sculpture takes on another meaning," Armstrong said. "Rather than glorifying technology this is a humorous take on the technological age. The landscape is dotted here and there with wind turbines, as our need for more electricity generation continues to grow.
"This sculpture is as if the figure has become a machine, possibly a wind-powered robot."
The use of constructivist techniques in making the sculpture was inspired by the Russian architect Tatlin's model for the building called Monument to the Third International, 1920, with its leaning sculptural spiral metal frame.
"The figure in my sculpture is also modelled on the heroic pose of the famous ancient Greek sculpture, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and on Jacob Epstein's work from 1913, The Rock Drill ...
"Hopefully the viewer sees my work as less serious than heroic and at the whim of the weather, turning to face the wind in order to drive the fan blades."
The public will have a week to vote from tomorrow before the Art on the Bay day on Sunday, March 21.
Two awards will be up for grabs, the winner of the public choice award will get $8000, with voting to be conducted through The Timaru Herald, and the judges' award is also worth $8000.
- © Fairfax NZ News
