Michael Parekowhai: Chapman's Homer at the Christchurch Civic Building

This exhibition is now closed

Michael Parekowhai's powerful bronze sculpture of a bull standing on a piano captured Christchurch's heart. After spending the winter in his crate, he's back in time for spring.

In the winter of 2012 Chapman's Homer became a symbol of the extraordinary resilience of the people of Christchurch – and thanks to the generosity of thousands, the great bronze bull standing on a piano is now part of the city's collection.

When the Gallery reopens, expect to see him on our forecourt – in the meantime, he's found a new temporary home on the Worcester Boulevard ramp entrance to Christchurch City Council's offices. If you've missed him as much as we have, come down and say hi, pat his nose or hoof, or snap him in a selfie. Chapman's Homer will be at the Council offices for a few months. Keep in touch with us to hear about his next movements, and upload your selfies at his Facebook page, or ours.

Michael Parekowhai is one of New Zealand's most important contemporary artists, known for his witty, larger-than-life sculptures. Chapman's Homer was part of an installation called On first looking into Chapman's Homer created by the artist for the 2011 Venice Biennale of Art. Our bull stood beside his seated brother against the backdrop of post-earthquake central Christchurch, while a red carved Steinway piano was played upstairs in an adjacent building. Over thirty days, more than 50,000 people got out of their cars to see and photograph the two bulls on the edge of Christchurch's red zone.

Purchased 2013 with the assistance of Christchurch City Council's Public Art Fund and Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation; with thanks to Westpac, IAG, Ben and Penny Gough, Chartwell Trust, Ravenscar Trust, Friends of Christchurch Art Gallery, Grant and Sandra Close, Dame Jenny Gibbs, Kevin and Joanna Hickman, Stewart and Nati Kaa, Tony Kerridge, McFadden family, Andrew and Jenny Smith, Chapman Tripp, Colliers, Meadow Mushrooms, MWH Ltd, Pace Project Management, The Press; and with additional thanks for contributions from 1,074 big-hearted individuals and companies.

  • Date:
    14 August – 31 October 2014
  • Exhibition number:
    979
  • Presented with
    westpac

Collection works in this exhibition

1 item