February 20, 2009

Media Release

Facelift for iconic sculpture

Titirangi village’s iconic roundabout sculpture is going green.

The three structures at the intersection of Titirangi Rd and Scenic Drive are currently undergoing refurbishment, work which includes a new paint job more in keeping with the lush green backdrop of the Waitakere Ranges.

The teal green hue was selected by the curator at Lopdell House and has the effect of softening the visual impact of the striking art works while also complementing the organic nature of the pieces, designed by artist Lisa Higgens 16 years ago.

Some essential repair work is also being carried out on the structures.

Higgens won a design competition for graduating students run by Waitakere City Council and the Unitec School of Design to come up with a design for a public art work. In her jewellery work she was inspired by lichen and algae and enlarged some of those designs to create the sculpture, which represents the regeneration of life.

The sculpture has polarised community opinion from the beginning, for its size, design and the original pink colour.

“There were some very strong opinions. As with all public art, people either love it or hate it,” says the council’s arts manager, Naomi McCleary.

“They were intended to be temporary; to be replaced after about five years but when that time came there was an outcry from the community.

“Despite all the early controversy they have become an icon of the village and appear on logos and letterheads of several organisations and businesses,” she says.

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