B.

Eye worms

Behind the scenes

One nice thing about art is that it's not locked down to the physical location in which you first encounter it. Once it's in your head, you can take it anywhere...

That point was made clear to me the other day when I realised that ever since I saw Spanish artist Maider Lopez's project at Christchurch Art Gallery for the 2008 SCAPE Biennial, I've never been able to look at commercial signs in the same way.

Lopez's project was designed to puncture the imaginary bubble that usually exists between the privileged, art-housing spaces of the gallery and its more utilitarian aspects. Producing a series of brightly coloured, authentic-looking custom-made signs, she highlighted the numerous non-art details hidden in plain sight: bathrooms, lifts, security cameras, environmental controls - even a rubbish bin.

Maider Lopez Fire Hose Reel sign 2008 SCAPE

Maider Lopez Fire Hose Reel sign 2008 SCAPE

Maider Lopez Emergency Exit Button sign 2008 SCAPE

Maider Lopez Emergency Exit Button sign 2008 SCAPE

Since then, I've caught myself noticing examples of genuine signage – from the more eccentric versions of the 'running man' over building exits to the profusion of CLOSED, MOVING and OPEN NOW placards that have appeared in eclectic profusion along Christchurch's inner city streets.

Yesterday, while climbing the steps to the Gallery's off-site office annex, I spied a real beauty – so good I thought maybe Maider had popped back in for a return visit...

Fire hydrant sign, Cowlishaw Mews, Christchurch

Fire hydrant sign, Cowlishaw Mews, Christchurch