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Chch Mayor unveils 'kinetic installation'


Some intellectual sustenance - or is that comic relief? - for the citizens of the quake-it city.

NBR staff
Wed, 20 Feb 2013

The people of Christchurch got some comic relief  intellectual sustenance today as Mayor Bob Parker unveiled unique artistic installation, gifted to the city "as a celebration of the resilience of Cantabrians two years on from the devastating earthquakes that rocked the city."

Created using red and black silicone "Bands 4 Hope" wristbands, a simple dining suite and a specially-designed steel frame, Jason Ware’s ‘Halfspace’ kinetic installation was unveiled at ArtBox Gallery.  It will reside amongst a collection of works for the public to enjoy.

The iconic red and black Bands 4 Hope wrist bands used in the installation have become a universal show of support for the people of Christchurch. Over 130,000 bands were sold worldwide, with Prince William even sporting a pair during his visit to the shattered city.

The Bands 4 hope appeal was organised and fully funded by TelstraClear, and launched immediately after the February 2011 earthquake. The company donated the black and red wristbands which could be bought with a $5 donation. All money raised, over $650,000 in total, went directly to the Christchurch Mayoral Earthquake Fund.

Full-time surveyor and part-time artist Jason Ware was chosen to create the installation.  Constructed primarily in his home garage over six weeks with the help of his partner and daughter, he says his personal experience inspired the art piece.

“My intent with ‘Halfspace’ was to create a human-scaled work on which the public can reflect, a work that contains elements that can be found in any home and with which any member of the community could relate to,” says Mr Ware.

“The Bands for Hope silicone chains evoke the forces that we encountered during the quakes. The bands are also metaphorical of the individual and collective strength and resilience of the Christchurch community. “

NBR staff
Wed, 20 Feb 2013
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Chch Mayor unveils 'kinetic installation'
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