Spectacular Trompe L’Oeil artwork commissioned

Media Release 13 June, 2011

Spectacular Trompe L’Oeil artwork commissioned for Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular

In keeping with the Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular name, international trompe l‘oeil artist John Pugh has been commissioned to create a spectacular mural in time for this year’s garden festival running from October 28 to November 6.

Trompe L’oeil, literally meaning trick of the eye, is a surreal art form that Pugh has used to create award-winning works all around the world.

Often bringing photographic clarity to his works, Pugh creates a 3D impression giving the illusion of something that is not there. His blank canvas will be an inner-city New Plymouth wall bordering the Huatoki Plaza measuring approximately 18 metres long by 6 metres high.

To be unveiled just prior to the opening of the Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular on Thursday, Oct 27, the trompe l’oeil is the latest in a series of unique Landscape Design Projects commissioned for the 10-day garden festival that have included; a living wall of plants, a whale bone sculpture and even a vibrant virtual garden.

With support funding from the TSB Bank Community Trust, Pugh has been commissioned by the festival to create a trompe l’oeil mural incorporating a garden and Taranaki landscape theme, says the manager of the Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular, Lisa Haskell.

“John’s initial design concepts are fascinating and have bought together aspects that have significance to our region as well as architectural elements providing the depth that is distinctive of his work,” says Lisa.

“The end result will be a stunning artwork that will offer another dimension of appreciation for garden lovers coming to Taranaki as well as for our local community.”

The work will be Pugh’s second New Zealand work—he created “He Taonga Kakariki” for an outside wall of the Rotorua Public Library in 2005.

“It seems almost universal that all people take delight in being visually tricked,” explains John.

“Once intrigued or bonded by the illusion, the viewer may easily cross the artistic threshold and is invited to explore the concept of the piece. I have also found that by creating architectural illusion that integrates with the existing environment both optically and aesthetically, the art transcends the "separateness" that public art sometimes produces.”

“Often, I like to play with local natural environments, cultures (including all indigenous peoples), history, even the architectural style, and contrasting them with other styles, events, culture, and times. I enjoy creating a visual journey that departs from the expected.”

Managed by the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust, the Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular is now in its 24th year, and will open the garden gates to approximately 50 public and private gardens including rose gardens, inner city potager gardens, native flora gardens, historic and park-like gardens, English cottage and country gardens and those with an art and sculpture focus.

“With only Taranaki’s best private and public gardens selected for the Festival, this year’s collection will enable visitors to enjoy a cross-section of gardens from coastal sub-tropical to sub alpine environments. Including Gardens of Significance as well as National and International Significance – few other festivals can offer such a diverse range of spectacular gardens,” says Lisa.

Running from October 28 to November 6 this year, the Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular will also feature the popular jazz & wine in garden events, guided walks, garden workshops and celebrated guest speakers. New Zealand’s Premier Spring Festival is not to be missed!

ENDS

© Scoop Media