Client: Auckland Council (Public Art)
Architect: Monk Mackenzie
Whakairo (Art Carving): Katz Maihi
Artist: David Hayes
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Year: 2015
We were engaged to realise the vision of the architects, creating a dynamic responsive light artwork that went on to become an iconic part of the city of Auckland. We collaborated with Monk Mackenzie and Katz Maihi to incorporate their aesthetics and narrative into the artwork.
30 motion tracking cameras were installed, enabling the artwork to respond to presence and motion. Bespoke luminaries were designed to combine both a direct view and wash effect to be installed along the 700m length of the bridge. MNM along with a bespoke dynamic engine together control the installation.
Foundational content defines the character and personality of the iconic bridge, referencing the underlying narrative of a sleeping breathing taniwha that stirs when people move along its back.
Ongoing involvement involves a curatorial programme of collaboration with non-digital artists to bring their art to a new medium, as well as a content programme that considers how the artwork can respond to and be part of special events.