“Villa Rustica” – Sculpture

 

Artwork by        “Artventure” produced by Paul Johnson (local raised) and Gail Mason

Completed        Sept 2015     

A large, modernistic abstract sculpture which commands the pentagonal lawn at the base of the Millennium Steps. Constructed of Aluminium to be tolerant of the extreme salt conditions of the Whanganui coast, this sculpture depicts the Whanganui River, Parapara hills and associated native flora and river eels. It has proved to be a feature that garners much interest and comment as well as attracting children to physically interact with it, as they do also with the existing Steuart Welch sculpture by the Millennium Hill Lookout. – just what was envisaged when commissioned.

Villa Rustica Panoramic

Villa Rustica was the agricultural estate of the ancient Romans which emphasised fruit and nut trees and a vegetable garden. This formed the basis of French medieval monastery gardens which were the background of mother Aubert’s early training in France and which flowered in her medicinal gardens in Jerusalem, on the banks of the Whanganui River.

Villa Rustica 

The Razorback ranges of the Whanganui river region form the primary structure. The linear representation of the steep hills reflects both historical topographical map-making and exploration as well as computer-generated wire-frame analysis of form.

Villa Rustica 

The pictorial imagery can suggest an outdoor cathedral – a spiritual perspective on nature. Against a sky-blue river, each panel addresses one plant of high botanic significance, from the native flax and kumera to the grapes, cherries and wheat that hold such a role in the history of the Whanganui river peoples.

Villa Rustica