.LynEve

gallery

Created by Peter Majendie, this memorial art installation set on 185 sq metres, is in honour of the 185 people who died in Christchurch as a result of the February 22nd 2011 earthquake. St Paul's Trinity Pacific Presbyterian Church once stood here, also lost in the quake. It is just across from the site of the CCTV building where 115people lost their lives. The 185 white-painted chairs sit unfenced and untethered and the individuality of each chair pays tribute to the uniqueness of each person represented.There is a notice encouraging visitors to sit on any of the chairs.

The artist calls it "Reflection of Loss of Lives, Livelihoods and Living in Neighbourhood" and in his artists statement says 'this installation is temporary - as is life.'

This was a very calm day and there was an air of great sadness. Although I had seen pictures of them, being there still brought me to tears.

The green grass beneath is to represent new life, but the drought conditions meant it was a scorched brown colour so I decided to give the photo a B/W look with a slight glow added.