“Do the Twist” by Chubby Checker echoes in your mind. This petite sculpture before you is Twist. It stands outside St Kevins Arcade on Karangahape Road.
Twist is a charming artwork. It adds humour and a sense of playfulness to the street. Tanja McMillan, also known as Misery, created it with John Oz. McMillan is a street artist and illustrator.
This artwork refers to the story of the Ridgeway Circus. Renowned New Zealand artist Denis O’Connor often told the story. The circus used to set up on the roof of George Courts. It was a department store on Karangahape Road in the 1960s. A baby elephant needed to get to the rooftop big tent. The tent was known for dancing to “Do the Twist”. So, they put the elephant in a service elevator. It traveled from the basement to the roof.
McMillan calls herself a character artist. She describes her works as little self-portraits. The little girl in Twist is typical of her figures. She dances with a tiny elephant. She holds it by the trunk. Both figures are set low to the ground. This encourages pedestrians and children to interact with them.
Twist was installed in Beresford Square in 2015. It was relocated to K Road in 2020. This was to allow a new railway station to be built. It is part of the CRL project. Twist is one of two sculptures commissioned for the K Road neighborhood. Thief is across the road outside Lim Chhour Supermarket.
McMillan said she wanted to create enchanting artworks. She especially wanted children to enjoy them. She also wanted to reflect the magic of K Road.
Take a closer look at Twist. Notice the details in the girl’s expression. Admire the texture of the elephant’s skin. Imagine the music playing. Picture the elephant dancing to “Do the Twist”. This sculpture captures a whimsical moment. It connects to a unique piece of Auckland’s history. It invites you to smile. It encourages you to embrace the playful side of art.
As you move on, remember the story of Twist. Remember the little girl and her elephant. Recall the circus on the rooftop. Keep the magic of K Road alive in your heart.