If you’ve wandered through Parnell recently, you may have noticed the Beacons of Light installation in Heard Park. Liam Downes is the artist behind five of these artworks, as well as the art on the new street banners adorning Parnell Rise, Parnell Road, and St Stephens Ave.
Alongside his own art practice Liam is Eden Park’s live event artist and Art Battle NZ Producer. His five artworks that decorate our Beacons were created digitally, using photos of skies, sunshine, and flowers to create photo montages.
“The exaggerated vibrancy I brought to my palette adds an energy,” explains Liam, “that resonates with me and my expression of summer in NZ”. The pohutukawa flower features prominently in his designs, an ever-present sign of a classic Kiwi Christmas. Liam describes this iconic flower as emblematic of “an Aotearoa Christmas and summer in all its unmistakable glory”, making it the perfect imagery for our Beacons and street banners.
For Liam, seeing the Beacons in-situ for the first time was a special moment. “It is always a treat to see creations scaled and illuminated. The hope that they bring a sprinkling of colour and seasonal cheer to Parnell is quite lovely.”
‘Beacons of Light’ will be on display in Heard Park, Parnell from 24 November—6 January, and are free to visit for the duration of this period.
