B.

On First Installing Chapman's Homer

Behind the scenes

If you've been down Madras Street recently you might well have seen something unusual on the vacant lot outside NG

The site used to look like this...

Google Earth. 2007

Google Earth. 2007

But now it's home to these two...

(Note for the pedantic - grass and buildings not included.)

Michael Parekowhai A Peak in Darien and Chapman's Homer 2011. Bronze, stainless steel. Courtesy of the artist and Michael Lett, Auckland. © musée du Quai Branly, photo Cyril Zannettacci

Michael Parekowhai A Peak in Darien and Chapman's Homer 2011. Bronze, stainless steel. Courtesy of the artist and Michael Lett, Auckland. © musée du Quai Branly, photo Cyril Zannettacci

The two pianos, complete with cast bronze bulls, form part of Michael Parekowhai's On First Looking into Chapman's Homer - the installation that represented New Zealand at the last Venice Biennale. They've also spent some time in Paris, in view of the Eiffel Tower. And now they're here, on the rather empty block between Tuam and Lichfield streets.

Here's how they got there.

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Meanwhile, inside NG...

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The exhibition is open from this weekend, and the stunning red carved Steinway piano above will be being played throughout its month long showing. Make sure you see it and hear it.