Pupu Harakeke
2008-2017
The unique artwork references endangered land snails that date from the Pliocene era, when New Zealand was part of Gondwanaland. The large flax snails (Placostylus hongii) survive in the Hokianga and on the Mokohinau and Poor Knights Islands. Legend tells of the extraordinary sounds produced by the recoiling snail, frightening away enemy warriors and alerting the resident people of approaching danger.
Created for the Inaugural Botanic Gardens Sculpture Exhibition where it won the Peoples Choice Award. The Sculpture was purchased by Ernst Young to commemorate the life of Lisa Patricia Willems, who died during the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011. Lisa was the mother of Olivia and Sam and the wife of Ben Willems, a partner in Ernst Young.
Dimensions Height 2400mm x Width 900mm tapering.
Materials: 2.5mm Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel.
Sculpture installed March 2017