Lye, Len Birthday celebration
Production date
2001
2000-2009
Description
Internationally renowned artist, Len Lye was born in New Zealand in 1901.
In the 1970s, Lye struck up a friendship with John Matthews of New Plymouth who had the technical resources Lye needed to develop his kinetic sculptures. After Lye's death, in 1980, the Len Lye Foundation continued to promote art works and commissioned a number of works from drawings and models. The Wind Wand is one of these pieces.
Installed to mark the beginning of the new millennium, the Wind Wand experienced structural problem and was damaged in high winds several weeks after installation. The Wand was removed and remodeled, before being re erected on Jun 23rd 2001. The globe on the top of the wand was lit at a function (birthday party) on July 5th 2001 marked the 100th anniversary of artist Len Lye's birthday.
The ribbons are attached to chocolate wrappers and were handed out at Len Lye's 100th birthday party held on the New Plymouth foreshore. The newspaper article describes the party of the foreshore. Also included is an invitation to a party at the Govett Brewster Art Gallery.
Object detail
2000-2009
Folder
1. Text - 'Happy 100th Birthday Len! Melana Flay for Council
2. Text - Welcome back Wind Wand
3. Newspaper article re the party, Daily News, Jul 6 2001
4. Invitation to the birthday celebration at the Govett Brewster Art Gallery Jul 5 2001
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.