Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf could soon act as host to a worldwide sculpture display, entitled ‘Wind Caravan’.

The City Attractions Committee today endorsed a proposal, from internationally renowned Japanese sculptor Susumu Shingu, to install 21 lightweight sculptures on Motukorea Island. The sculptures would remain on the island for two weeks between 11 and 25 November.

Motukorea Island, or Browns Island as it is more commonly known, is owned by Auckland City Council, and administered on its behalf by the Department of Conservation (DOC). A formal concession from DOC would be required before the installation could go ahead.

The island is one of six unique sites around the world that Mr Shingu is proposing to use. Other display sites are the rice paddies of Hyogo, Japan; a frozen lake in Inari Finland; the steppes of Mongolia, near Ulanbator; sand dunes near Fortaleza Brazil and the Moroccan desert near Ouarazte.

Mr Andrew Bogle, Curator for Art Consultancy ‘Extrabitions’, spoke on behalf of Mr Shingu and told the Committee that the sculptor wished to display the sculptures in harmony with the natural landscape, using its natural energy to create artworks with elegant movement – as if they were alive.

The display, on the north-western part of the island, would be visible from ferries travelling between Auckland and Waiheke Island. Mr Bogle also suggested that private craft could anchor in Crater Bay, from where visitors could take a short walk to the proposed site.

Chairperson of the City Attractions Committee, Councillor Victoria Carter said Auckland should be proud to be included in Shingu’s selection of locations.

“The sculptures would profile one of our little known reserves, and offer a unique spectacle for the hundreds of craft that use the Gulf. The sculptures will be documented in books and video’s, and I think this chance to showcase our Gulf in this unique manner is well worth supporting.”

Mr Shingu is currently seeking a concession from DOC, and as part of that process has written to local Iwi, seeking their endorsement.

ENDS

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