Last installations for summer will light up city centre

To see out the last of summer, Hastings District Council has two more exciting, large-scale lighting and sound installations lined up for the city centre.

The next and final displays come hot on the heels of the removal of the Trumpet Flowers in the city centre mall that have delighted many with their upbeat interactive light and sound show.

Trumpet Flowers will be removed on Tuesday, February 25, so make the most of the opportunity to check it out over the next few days, says Hastings District Council city centre activations officer Andrea Taaffe.

The new installations will be going in the very next day – these ones in Albert Square and Civic Square – and both will be in place until March 9.

At Civic Square, the stunning Hybocozo is a complex, geometric exploration of light, shadow and perception.

Designed by Yelena Filipchuk (Russia) and Serge Beaulieu (Canada) and brought to New Zealand by Ant Van Dorsten (Vesica Aotearoa), these fascinating static installations will transform Civic Square both during the day and at night when they are illuminated highlighting the beauty, precision and detail behind their construction.

Down the road at Albert Square, an interactive piece called Trilogy will be a beacon, drawing people in to touch and perform.

This piece is designed by Simon Holden of South Island Light Orchestra in collaboration with Angus Muir Design (New Zealand), and is an imposing sculpture featuring three towering, interactive light pillars that really come into their own after dusk.

Infrared touch technology allows people to interact simultaneously with the slanting face of each pillar, using their hands to draw with light.

While creating visual masterpieces, synchronised sound effects play accompanying the patterns of light, creating a unique soundscape.

“These will be the final installations for the summer, and like the Shrooms, UV Spaghetti and Trumpet Flowers are sure to delight young and old, adding to the buzz and vibrancy of our city centre – do take the time to visit them your with friends and family,” says Miss Taaffe.

Spearheaded by Hastings District Council all the installations over summer have been endorsed and supported by the Hastings City Art Gallery, Hastings City Library, Hastings City Business Association, Arts Inc. Heretaunga and Toitoi: Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre.

20 February 2020

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