Hawke’s Bay artists have collaborated to create 20 giant apple sculptures, which will feature in an upcoming art trial across Hastings city.
Brazilian-born artist Mauricio Benega, who initiated the project, wanted to bring something to the region to highlight its reputation as the country’s biggest apple grower.
With funding support from the Hastings District Council’s Covid-19 recovery fund and the horticulture sector, he partnered with local artists and businesses to create the fibreglass apples, which stand about a metre tall. Each apple is unique, being individually decorated by local artists.
One apple was decorated by the Pasifika Senikau Group made up of RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employers) workers from a local orchard – it features Pasifika elements including tapa cloth, tanoa (kava bowl) and a hibiscus flower. Another was done by Finnish artist Elisa Koski-Taylor and is made of reclaimed timbers.
The apples will be displayed at various locations along an easily walkable trial in Hastings and Havelock North. They will be auctioned on October 26 at the Hastings Tribune Building.
Reserve prices start at $3000 for each apple with half of the profits going back to the artists.
More information about the project can be found at: thebigapple.co.nz
Image credit: Charlotte Anderson/stuff.co.nz
