1959

an exhibition by

Lindsey Kirk

Gallery 4 & 5

7 - 27 March 2011

Looking back more than 50 years to the construction of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, I have been reflecting on both structural details and historical features. In the July 1990 issue of New Zealand Geographic, Iain Sharp entitled his article about the Auckland Harbour Bridge “The big Meccano set”.

Meccano is an integral element to many of the works in this show. Some paintings are geometrical abstractions based on engineering details. Others are more whimsical depictions of a Meccano bridge or vehicles and equipment from the 1950’s. Long forgotten structures like the toll booths and the traffic control tower reappear.

The acrylic paintings on canvas are layered with collage and various print techniques. Some smaller works also feature actual Meccano pieces.
Included in the exhibition is a series of painted plates, mostly based on Meccano. Two plates also feature the magnificent cast door handles still at the entrance of the old Auckland Harbour Bridge Authority building.

I have lived in the Auckland region since childhood and remember the bridge being built. I remember playing with Meccano and am happily discovering new possibilities for Meccano.

Artist’s statement
Lindsey Kirk, 22 February, 2011

Assembly, 2010, acrylic & collage on canvas, 710 x 710mm