Twists and turns, that’s what defines Nobody Here But Us. This monumental sculpture stands before you on the corner of Wellesley and Federal streets. Let’s delve into the story behind this intriguing artwork.
Nobody Here But Us was created in 1991 by the acclaimed artist Richard Deacon. ASB Bank commissioned it. They were the owners of 135 Albert Street at the time. Deacon often describes himself as a fabricator rather than a sculptor. His works explore language and movement. He gives new meaning to shapes and objects.
This particular piece is made from aluminium. Its bronze industrial colour reflects the steel atrium for which it was commissioned. The sculpture weighs a surprising 3.5 tonnes. Despite its weight it appears almost weightless.
Many people say Nobody Here But Us looks like a film reel. Its abstract form invites various interpretations. Deacon aimed to evoke these kinds of responses. He wanted to create a sense of ambiguity. He wanted to balance giving and taking away at the same time.
Richard Deacon was inspired by the site. He wandered among twisted pōhutukawa trees along the Coromandel coast. The sculpture combines organic curves with industrial materials. Complex engineering was used to manipulate these materials in unexpected ways.
In 1999, Deacon was awarded a CBE. That’s Commander of the Order of the British Empire. The original paint finish was completed in New Zealand. A team in Ōtāhuhu handled it. Auckland Council renewed the work in October 2015. They gave it a fresh coat of custom-matched enamel paint. A company in Grey Lynn undertook the renewal. The paint contains a micro bead. This replicates a hammered finish.
Nobody Here But Us dominates the forecourt. It pushes up against the ceiling. It contrasts with the surrounding glass, steel, and hard lines of the 90s architecture. Tracey Williams, Head of Creative Strategy for Auckland Council’s Arts & Culture team, described it as a monumental work.
Today, Nobody Here But Us is part of Auckland Council’s public art collection. The collection includes over 400 works throughout the city. Just over 15 percent of these works were made by artists born outside New Zealand.
So, next time you pass by, take a moment to appreciate Nobody Here But Us. Consider its form, its materials, and the artist’s intent. It is a talking point for inner-city regulars. It offers a unique perspective on art and its relationship to its surroundings. It stands as a testament to Deacon’s skill as a fabricator.