1 Sep 2016

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A large-scale colourful artwork is set to take pride of place in Cathedral Square.

Flag Wall 2, 2016, takes shape in Cathedral Square.

Flag Wall 2, 2016 is a sequel to the original temporary artwork displayed on the same site in 2014. The giant, vibrantly coloured flag wall was developed by artist Sara Hughes in response to the four empty flag poles standing strong amongst the destruction and demolition of the area.

In this new work she develops the original concept and reflects upon the new urban form of the city and its relationship with the historical pattern of development.

“Having a strong interest in the histories of an area, my design is influenced by the original 1850 city map/grid on which Christchurch was based. The formal, geometric lay-out was typical of contemporary approaches to urban design at that time.” Sara Hughes says.

“Now, as the city and its surrounds rebuild, this grid is still the foundation of the city. This structure is echoed in rebuilding materials; bricks, concrete blocks, frameworks of steel and concrete, as well as new buildings created by layers of grids and networks of window frames. There is a loss of built forms and landmarks in the Central City post-earthquake yet the pattern of the original city grid remains.

“It is my aim that the work represents this resilient crisscross of streets that the city was built upon and that will continue to influence its future development.” Hughes says

“I have used pure and vibrant colour as a way to energize and activate Cathedral Square. I am particularly interested in colour for its emotional and physiological effects on people. The colours and pattern in this work echo a modernist idealism for a city reinventing itself.”

Sara Hughes is a highly regarded dynamic artist with a well-established career across Australasia. Known for her captivating large-scale installations and public art works that respond to history and site, Hughes' response to this specific location brings her experience of working with complex spaces and dynamic pattern to the fore, creating this exciting work for Cathedral Square.

Other recent changes in Cathedral Square include the removal of the amphitheatre to improve pedestrian access and installation of a new hoarding around the old Post Office building.

* Flag Wall 2, 2016 is a temporary installation, funded by the Christchurch City Council as part of the Transitional City Programme.