‘I looked at the sculpture that stood in front of me, thinking of people who lost families and friends, imagining they were also looking at this view… I decided regardless of obstacles I wanted to send Ka mua Ka muri to the people of Christchurch.’ – Kazu Nakagawa

Time folds in on itself as we take our past with us into who we become. Ka mua Ka muri is a phonetic rendering of “Ka mua ka muri”, the well known Māori whakatauki that talks of walking backwards into the future.

Kazu Nakagawa began with the idea of architecture 100 years ago and what building might look like 100 years in the future. Conversations with Pacific Environments led Nakagawa to the idea of origami, creating faceted shapes that echo the natural modular forms repeated in trees, shells and even molecules. Two large open rings lean in, each depending on the other to stay upright.

The work reflects a wider community which is standing with the people of Christchurch. The idea of holding each other up is reflected in the generosity of the gift — Ka mua Ka muri is an offering to the people of the city.

Supporters of the gift:

Sculpture on the Gulf Waiheke Island, Trish Clarke Gallery and Architects Pacific Environments.

Image credit:

Courtesy of Trish Clark Gallery, Sculpture on the Gulf and SCAPE Public Art. Photo by Heather Milne.