20 local artists took on the Big Apple Project, each with a unique take on the blank 1 cubic metre fibreglass apple canvas. Photo / Supplied
20 local artists took on the Big Apple Project, each with a unique take on the blank 1 cubic metre fibreglass apple canvas. Photo / Supplied
The Big Apple Project has hit the streets and while most artists followed the brief and used the fibreglass apple provided as a base, one did not.
Artists Ricks Terstappen and Sharleen Gamble combined to create a giant apple sculpture titled Organic, constructed using repurposed steel.
The artists took the idea of a traditional Māori kete and wove their own contemporary, abstract interpretation throughout the sculpture, entwined with a circular symbol of unity and inclusivity.
Ricks Terstappen and Sharleen Gamble combined to create a giant apple sculpture titled 'Organic'. Photo / Warren Buckland
The steel apple is one of 20 apple-shaped artworks placed around Hastings, Havelock North and Napier as part of The Big Apple Project.
Organisers Arts Inc Heretaunga, Studio Benega and the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival wanted to create an apple trail for people to follow on foot.
While most of the apples are placed in and around the Hastings CBD, a few are scattered through the wider region so everyone can have a bite of the apple project.
The apple sitting in Flaxmere Park is a part of the trail, however, this sculpture is special as it will be a permanent feature.
The "Organic" big apple sculpture is set to be a permanent art installation at Flaxmere Park. Photo / Warren Buckland
Besides the unique sculpture shape of the Organic apple, it is the first to have been sold and the only one so far to be put on permanent public display.
A Hastings District Council spokesperson explained that the council was a key funder of the project, but did not purchase the apple.
"We did suggest that it would be wonderful to have one permanently in Flaxmere, which does not have much public art compared to Hastings and Havelock North.
"Fortunately, a private buyer agreed with that vision."
The spokesperson said, "Ricks' apple was chosen because it is of durable materials that can withstand being outside and people interacting with it."
Big Apple Project organisers are also looking at ways to incorporate a light feature to illuminate the Flaxmere Park art installation.
The rest of the apples will go up for auction on October 26 at 01/209 Queen Street East, Hastings, at 5:30 pm.
Make sure you check out the Apple trail before all the apples go up for auction in October. Photo / Supplied
