Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden’s third annual autumn exhibition opens on 5 March with over 50 contemporary works by some of New Zealand’s most recognized sculptors. Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden owners Peter Joyce and Annabel Menzies-Joyce commission a major work annually, and these new commissions are unveiled at the opening of the exhibition.

This year’s highlights include the presentation of a new large-scale work by Neil Dawson for the permanent collection.

Vortex is a large, circular work featuring a spiral of welcome swallows. The work is in stainless steel and will be finished in an antique gold patina that glows in the natural setting. Dawson has been working on the piece for the past 18 months and placed a maquette on-site a few months ago to give an idea of what the final work will be like.

Dr. Melissa C. Reimer, curator, says, “The final iteration of Vortex will be over two metres in diameter and suspended above a dense grove of flax by one of the three ponds. The reflections from the water will add another dimension to this already dynamic and elusive work.”

Over the first three weekends in March visitors can take a leisurely wander through the Christchurch garden, enjoying the permanent collection and a number of small and large-scale works for sale.