Pıwakawaka pops in for brief encounter
An impressive bronze pıwakawaka has taken a perch in central Palmerston North courtesy of renowned sculptor Paul Dibble.
The sculpture was installed yesterday beside the intersection of Main and Andrew Young streets.
The work, titled Gateway, features a large bronze fantail, perched on a steel base.
It is intended to complement an art exhibition by the sculptor’s wife, Fran Dibble, at the nearby Zimmerman Art Gallery.
The work references Maui myths, with a pıwakawaka perched on a stylised leafy gate.
Fran Dibble said native birds had been following her husband around for a long time now, and he didn’t seem able to shake them.
‘‘It’s no wonder, as birds epitomise Aotearoa, supporting myths and origin stories, becoming icons, and assuming a significance large in people’s vision of our natural world.’’
Installation of the work was organised by Bronwyn Zimmerman, owner of Zimmerman Art Gallery, who hopes it is the first of many temporary sculptures for the site.
‘‘It’s a high visibility location, in the middle of the cultural precinct,’’ Zimmerman said.
‘‘I’m keen to install a number of different pop-up works here, able to be enjoyed by the many people who pass through the area, both during the day and at night.’’
Zimmerman said the sculpture would complement the ongoing work of the Palmerston North Public Sculpture Trust, and support the goal of Palmerston North being recognised as a creative and exciting city.