Description:

RĀ is a sculptural installation created for Artweek 2024.

The brief was to conceptually respond to the ArtWeek in the City Centre theme of “Happiness”. Considering our own relationship with happiness, how this manifests in our life, how its absence or presence impacts the way we relate to the world and those we share it with. We were asked to explore the visual form of happiness, how it looks and feels as a material expression, how it can create dialogue or discourse in a public setting.

In response to this we developed an idea based on Tama-nui-te-rā – the sun – and its unwavering energy and effect on our lives. The sun awakens, and like us, it rises to a zenith at noon, before making its descent to set. For Māori, its high point at noon is known as 'te poupoutanga o te rā', where it stands tall, like a pou, at full strength. Inspired by this, we created custom lettering for 'RĀ', and stretched it upright to create a monolithic Māori word sculpture.

The letters are invigorated with an energetic pattern of upward niho taniwha. Versions of the pattern are repeated and layered to build the depth of the sculpture and create a latticed visual buzz.

Nestled in Vulcan Lane, it brings a warmth and joy to central Tāmaki Makaurau during the day. The flat planes of colour create a striking contrast against the greys of the pavement and surrounding buildings, and at night the sculpture is lit internally from the base, creating the effect of flames and energy rising. In addition to the lights, a rumbling, ambient soundscape was developed based on the concept.

The sculpture was originally commissioned for the duration of Artweek, but currently continues to be installed to liven up the lane.