- This design was chosen after a trip in 2023 to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China as part of the sister-cities relationship between Hamilton and Chengdu. It will be placed along the Friendship Walk in the new development in Tianfu which will host the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 from 26 April 2024 – 28 October 2024. After this the complex will become a park and the works will remain.
2023
Ink on paper
2023
Screen grab of video render sent from the team in Chengdu for approval
Will be made of coloured steel and stand 2.1m high
My brief summary
- Concept:
Innovation, origins, sustainability and the connectivity of humankind and nature.
- Elements:
- Humankind – The Tiki figure is popular throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. Their story varies, however in this instance I am using the story of the first man, Tiki the creator.
- Panda Revivalism – Tiki wears a Panda headband, popular with people who visit Chengdu. This is to Acknowledge the work to rebuild the giant panda population here in Chengdu.
- Responsibility – It is important to acknowledge this work and the relationship between Humans, our environment and the creatures we share this world with. Pan-Tiki is not just for the word Panda but also a play on the pre-fix pan-, meaning all encompassing. This is to highlight that this responsibility to be sustainable and support our ecosystems is global, from the top of China all the way down to the South Pacific.
- Innovation – From the beginning of humankind we have grown and developed, becoming more and more sophisticated. We can now use our knowledge and skills to better our environment and ourselves to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for all. This is especially specific to the holistic nature of the new developments in Tianfu.
Hollie | Hollis 