Didn’t councillors in 1971 have an interesting idea? They decided to mark Auckland’s 100th anniversary by commissioning five sculptures from international artists. We are now standing in front of one of them, The Keep Sculpture.
Today, I want to tell you about the story behind this artwork. It reflects Auckland’s ambition to be a world-class city. But it also touches on the challenges of public art.
In 1971, Auckland celebrated its centennial. To mark the occasion, the city commissioned five sculptures. These were from international artists. The Keep is one of the few that survive today. Another sculpture was Michio Ihara’s Wind Tree. This encountered a less fortunate fate.
Wind Tree languished in storage for years. It was removed from Queen Elizabeth Square. This was to make way for a kauri forest. The forest was planted in front of the Britomart rail station. Officials promised to resurrect the sculpture. It was meant to be a high priority in a new waterfront park. But that never happened.
The Wind Tree faced numerous setbacks. There were delays. There were disagreements over its new location. One proposed site was the Western Springs duck pond. But this was halted. The council’s Maori consultative committee objected. They wanted more Maori work in parks first.
Despite offers from other communities, the Wind Tree remained in storage. It became a symbol of unrealized plans. It highlighted bureaucratic hurdles. The Keep Sculpture stands as a testament to the original vision.
The Keep reminds us of the bold decision to invest in public art. It also stands in contrast to the Wind Tree. The Keep is a reminder of what can be achieved. This is when vision meets commitment.
The story of The Keep is intertwined with the story of Wind Tree. It encourages reflection on the importance of preserving and celebrating public art. These artworks enrich our city. They reflect our cultural values.
Consider the materials. Consider the form. Consider the artist’s intent. The Keep invites dialogue. It encourages interaction. It embodies the spirit of Auckland.
The Keep is more than just a sculpture. It represents a moment in Auckland’s history. It shows the city’s aspirations. It is a reminder of the importance of art in public spaces.
So, as you stand before The Keep Sculpture, remember its story. Remember the vision of those 1971 councillors. Consider the fate of the Wind Tree. Reflect on the value of public art. Appreciate the beauty. Appreciate the thought it provokes.