infonews.co.nz
Login Sign up
ART

Artwork displayed on Sydenham wall

Christchurch City Council

Tuesday 6 December 2011, 2:48PM

By Christchurch City Council

581 views

Wayne Youle I seem to have temporarily misplaced my sense of humour 2011. Design for a mural presented by Christchurch Art Gallery and Gap Filler. Reproduced courtesy the artist.
Wayne Youle I seem to have temporarily misplaced my sense of humour 2011. Design for a mural presented by Christchurch Art Gallery and Gap Filler. Reproduced courtesy the artist. Credit: Christchurch City Council
Thousands of black dots are being painted on a large wall in Sydenham to form the background of Wayne Youle's giant shadowboard.
Thousands of black dots are being painted on a large wall in Sydenham to form the background of Wayne Youle's giant shadowboard. Credit: Christchurch City Council

CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch Art Gallery and Gap Filler are working with local artist Wayne Youle to create one of the largest pieces of outdoor artwork in Christchurch – and it’s expected to be finished and on display in Sydenham by the middle of the month.

Inspired by memories of his grandfather's workshop, Youle has designed a huge shadowboard complete with hammers and other tools, as well as some familiar but unexpected things – like houses, toys and engagement rings.

Mr Youle says the mural is for all those who lent their tools and their hands to those who needed help during the earthquakes, with the symbols representing what was lost by residents.

"I thought of the number of things that are missing or gone for good after the earthquakes. Things that hold not only financial but personal value.

“These things may have gone, but there is also a 'fix-it' attitude in Sydenham and in Christchurch. This is why there are tons of tool silhouettes. They are being used for the re-build of something, be it big or small, for one or for all."

The work of art is being completed as part of the Gallery’s Outer Spaces project on a large wall on Colombo Street, between Carlyle and Byron streets just over the Moorhouse over-bridge. The seven metre by 35 metre wall was left behind following the demolition of five buildings.

Christchurch Art Gallery Director Jenny Harper says the giant mural will be an impressive sight for people driving into Sydenham from the city.

“We are delighted to be working with Gap Filler to bring more art to the people of Christchurch while the Gallery is still closed.

“Having this work situated at this end of Sydenham will be a great way to welcome people back as this suburb gets back on its feet. I’m sure passers-by are going to enjoy finding their favourite shadow on the board.”

About the Outer Spaces programme:

From a glowing billboard on Worcester Boulevard to sculpture on the Gallery forecourt, the Outer Spaces programme ensures there's art to see not just in Christchurch Art Gallery but on it. With the Gallery closed due to the Christchurch earthquakes, we're expanding the programme into the wider city. From vivid murals on huge public walls to night-time video projections in nearby houses, Outer Spaces introduces moments of surprise, humour, colour and wonder to the post-quake Christchurch streetscape.

About Gap Filler:

Gap Filler is a creative urban regeneration initiative started in response to the September 4, 2010 Canterbury earthquake, and revised and expanded in light of the more destructive February 22, 2011 quake. It is now administered by the Gap Filler Charitable Trust.

Gap Filler aims to temporarily activate vacant sites within Christchurch with creative projects, to make for a more interesting, dynamic and vibrant city. www.gapfiller.org.nz