SCAPE Public Art is taking over the central city with a series of exciting sculptures
Running from 19 November to 14 January, eight locally and internationally recognised artists will be debuting artworks around central Ōtautahi Christchurch, showcasing their interpretations of the theme Shadows Cast.
Managing Curator Jamie Hanton’s selections for the 2021 festival fall into his overall vision of Fictions, which unfurls across the 2020 – 2022 SCAPE Public Art Seasons.
‘Fictions aims to introduce elements of mystery and moments of revelation to the Ōtautahi cityscape,’ explains Hanton. ‘Shadows Cast takes the shadow as its point of focus, exploring the possibilities of shifting identities and new roles for our city. The shadow is a space of potential, and that’s what our artists will be exploring this season.’
Including some of Aotearoa’s finest established and emerging artists, you can expect to encounter newly commissioned work from Aroha Novak, Janet Lilo, Kate Newby, Louise Palmer, Sione Monū, and Olivia Webb.
Installations from international artists will return following Covid-19 disruptions, with a celebrated piece coming to Ōtautahi from Chinese artist Nabuqi, as well as new work from renowned Korean artist Bona Park.
‘Shadows Cast explores the lasting impact of certain fading histories and the possibilities for different histories to overlap and overwrite,’ explains Hanton. ‘The artists we’ve gathered have brought us such an incredible, exciting range of work that explores these themes.’
With a series of artist talks, walking tours and interactive pieces, SCAPE’s Season 2021 will be a highlight for Ōtautahi this summer. Keep your eyes peeled for more information about each work, with pieces to be exhibited publicly in key locations such as the Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, and the Canterbury Museum.
The Season will also include crowd favourite project Re:ACTIVATE Aspiring Artists, where design proposals from Waitaha Canterbury primary and high school students will be brought to life in Hagley Park.
Download our maps here:
SCAPE Season 2021 Art Walkway | SCAPE Season 2021 & Legacy Art Walkway | SCAPE Season 2021 Pocket Guide
