80s cellblock revival for Artstation

5 September 2005

80s cellblock revival for Artstation

Artstation is bringing back art from 1982 by reinstalling a restored ceramic mural to its cellblock wall.

The heritage status of the 1906 Artstation building meant the mural was only a temporary installation and was removed in the late 1980s.

The 64-tile piece has been reconfigured by the original artist Jane Zusters, with technical assistance from Thomas Barter, and will now be permanently installed inside a metal frame on the cellblock wall.

Ms Zusters says, “The colourful slip cast tiles represent an abstract expressionist work about the every day. Themes I have used in the mural include portraiture, the domestic situation and childhood, religious references, masks, graffiti and conversation issues."

The tile mural will be unveiled on 16 September together with a new artwork – a steel screen designed by Grey Lynn artist Andrea Low.

The screen is located at the Hopetoun Street entrance to the Artstation. It acts as a marker or tohu to greet visitors and represents the many activities that occur with the Artstation arts precinct.

Funded by the Western Bays Community Board, the piece has distinct organic character, both in materials and motif, which represent Artstation’s many activities. The screen is made of corten steel and features a laser cut flax flower motif.

Artstation, Auckland City’s community visual arts facility, is located at the old police barracks at 1 Ponsonby Rd, Newton. It is easy to get to by public transport with the Link’s ‘Artstation’ bus stop right outside.

ENDS

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