MOTHER AND CHILD SCULPTURE
Wellington, New Zealand

DESIGN CONCEPTS:

The Council of New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, wanted to bring more form and focus into a very busy pedestrian mall.

After observation of the space, Design for Life created a symmetrical 4-fold sculpture which brought height and bright colour with waterfalls into the area. As the mall has many teenagers in it we also brought the theme of ‘Mother and Child’ central to the design.

Each of the four, back to back water sculptures is an abstract mother-form singing to a baby in her arms. It is as if the mother is nature herself, and the water from the top her voice singing to her child water as she rocks it rhythmically in her arms. The flow actually flows left to right, spilling over either side in an oscillating waterfall.

COMMENTS:

"This public work of art has been quite controversial. The public response has been varied with the majority of comments and responses being positive. The moving water is an added attraction which provides elements of light and animation. The use of water in the cityscape in this way is regarded as a positive addition, and the Parks And Recreation Department is considering ways to extend this concept." -

Parks and Recreation Dept., Wellington City Council. 1991

"Your sculpture speaks to the deepest part of my heart, strengthening it and reminding me of the power of the spirit. I especially walk this way to see it." -

Comment from a passerby while water flow adjustments were being made in 1992.