A large-scale digital artwork by renowned New Zealand artist Lisa Reihana has been installed in the Aotea Centre foyer, immersing visitors in a visual spectacle, telling the traditional M?ori story of the origins of our world.
Commissioned by Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA), the permanent installation was officially unveiled by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her capacity as Minister for Culture and Heritage.
ULA Group worked closely with RFA and the team at Auckland Live to deliver a high-resolution digital canvas to display this unique artwork, filling two floor-to-ceiling spaces in the Aotea Centre foyer.
Enthralling viewers with the story of Ranginui and Papat??nuku playing out on the 117 square metre VuePix Infiled digital platform, this makes it one of the largest and most significant works of contemporary M?ori art in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Our team has been working on this project for nearly a year and a half and it was a very proud moment for all of us when this magnificent artwork, displayed prominently in the Aotea foyer, was unveiled by Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern,” comments Garth Reynolds, Branch Manager of ULA Group NZ. “It has been a pleasure working with our long-standing client, Regional Facilities Auckland and we have proven yet again that ULA Group is a leader in LED screen technology and is capable of delivering projects of this magnitude and stature.”
The digital canvas comprises two large format screens, counting over 7,5 million pixels in total. The digital display features the VuePix Infiled 3.9mm QE LED panels, which were fully customised in order to cater for the specific structural angles and features a perforated mesh screen border to seamlessly fit within the existing space.
The original content for the screen was designed pixel for pixel to match each video wall. It is controlled by Millumin 3 software, running off Mac hardware, connected to a BlackMagic eGPU Pro to integrate with two NovaStar MCTRL 4K processors.
“Our local New Zealand office is key in being able to offer great service and support, backed up by our Australian office, manufacturing facilities and exceptional local subcontractors. Partnering with HTS Group on this installation, the whole team have worked seamlessly to create a phenomenal result,” adds Garth. “Working with a distinguished artist like Lisa Reihana to bring her iconic work of art to life was an amazing experience and a true honour. We have appreciated this opportunity to be a part of the team to deliver one of the largest and most significant works of contemporary M?ori art in Aotearoa, New Zealand.”
UNVEILING
In his speech, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said the work will be a significant drawcard to Auckland’s Aotea Arts Quarter. “Like other world-class cities, such as Melbourne with its Federation Square, and London with the Southbank, Auckland needs public spaces that proudly showcase our identity and our stories. “Ihi is not only a fitting centrepiece for our Aotea Arts Quarter, it is also an important addition to our rich M?ori arts and cultural landscape.”
RFA Board Chair Andrew Barnes said his organisation has a mission to enrich life in Auckland and create unique spaces the community can enjoy, noting Aotea Centre’s recent comprehensive internal refurbishment.
“Aotea Centre forms the heart of so many important arts and cultural activities in Auckland,” he said. “We now have a modern venue that is accessible for all, and this stunning artwork makes it even more inviting for our visitors. Most importantly, it celebrates Te Ao M?ori. As kaitiaki for arts and culture, our role is to nurture and celebrate this heritage. We recently renamed Aotea Centre’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre to recognise a great ambassador for the arts and for New Zealand. Now we have Ihi, by one of our country’s most celebrated M?ori artists.”
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T?maki Director Kirsten Paisley said the unveiling of Ihi marks a significant contribution to M?ori art, and to Auckland’s public art legacy.
“I am especially delighted that a contemporary work of architectural scale is telling this timeless M?ori story in one of Auckland most important public buildings,” she said. “It is incredibly exciting to see a spiritually rich and poignant relationship between mother and son told in an active public space. Ihi, is a slowly revolving, cosmic journey which collapses the creation of the universe, as an ancient narrative that is at once alive and ever more present within us for Lisa’s telling of it. This commission is ambitious, brave and entirely transforms the Aotea Centre. Ihi will have a profound impact on our public art environment and future ambitions. A new benchmark has been set.”
