Each artist’s work will showcase their unique interpretation of this year’s theme, Sweat Equity, a compelling conclusion to Managing Curator Jamie Hanton’s overall vision of Fictions, which has tied together SCAPE Public Art Seasons 2020-2022.
“Sweat Equity is a phrase taken from entrepreneurial culture where hard work equals value,” says Hanton. “It references the ‘rise and grind’ mindset and relates to the overarching curatorial theme of Fictions, casting this way of thinking as a neoliberal fantasy; a modern fairytale that wrongly proclaims you can achieve anything if you work hard enough.”
The 2022 season includes both newly commissioned works and pre-existing works across different media. The line up features renowned artists from around Aotearoa and the world, including Hye Rim Lee, Wendelien Bakker, Scott Flanagan, Jon Jeet, Pacific Sisters, Eddie Clemens, Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries and Dr Jo Burzynska.
Visitors and residents can explore the works on SCAPE Public Art’s two walkways: one leading around each of the eight new installations and the other exploring the 14 legacy artworks that have a permanent home in the central city. There will also be events throughout the season, such as artist talks, walking tours and art-making activities as part of SCAPE’s education programme. The entire SCAPE Public Art Season presents plenty of opportunities to further connect and interact with the artworks, artists, and the central city.
The final year in Hanton’s three-year tenure as Managing Curator, the 2022-2023 event is running for an extended season. Also returning is crowd favourite project Re:ACTIVATE Aspiring Artists, where design proposals from Waitaha Canterbury youth will be brought to life in Hagley Park.
