Symbols of Strength....

I recently went to check out the two cast bronze bulls on the corner of Madras and Tuam Street as part of a Michael  Parekowhai exhibition here in Christchurch. Set against the back drop of the central city (which is still very much in the demolition/rebuilding stage) it had a very erie yet comforting effect. Situated one lot away from where the CTV building once stood, the bulls seemed a very kind distraction indeed - and very appropriate too, for in the face of loss and change the bull is a welcome symbol of fertility and strength for the future!

Before arriving in Christchurch, they were shown at the Venice biennial and exhibited in Paris.
The exhibition is based on a poem by John Keats called Looking into Chapman's Homer.

Hearts for Christchurch....

Last weekend we took a family trip to the Christchurch Museum and botanical gardens......mostly with the intention of seeing the W.O.W costumes, which we did (no photography unfortunately or I would have taken a hundred pictures). Anyway while we were there we came across the 'Hearts for Christchurch' exhibition, this lovely idea was started by Napier resident Evie Harris which once spread through the crafting community began an influx of handmade hearts from all over the world.....

We strolled through the room admiring all the hand stitching and effort made by so many different people and  it was hard not to feel a little uplifted in the process......

They came in many colours and sizes spreading across the walls in various arrangements, some with written messages, but each individually handmade with love..... over 4,000 in total!!

http://www.canterburymuseum.com/events/

http://heartsforchristchurch.blogspot.com/