Wondering

By Fiona Rigby

There was an amazing art collection at my university hall of residence. The most stunning pieces were displayed in the dining hall. Although, as an ignorant 18 year old I had no idea of the glory that surrounded me as chowed down on steak diane followed by sponge pudding. It was a long time ago now and I've since lost the several kilos caused by those sponge puddings. What did stay with me was a deep fondness and appreciation of the artists and their works.

Untitled

Ralph Hotere Untitled 1983

Many years later I realised it was a Hotere up high on the wall above the main dining room doors.

Black Insects, Red Primitives

Richard Killeen Black Insects, Red Primitives 1980

There was a Richard Killeen above the top table. Not this one but one that included ginko leaves, insects and other geometric shapes. A story trickled from year to year about students moving and adding fake pieces during the traditional week of practical jokes. We were told that the artist himself had to come back in and re-position the pieces. I don't know if that is true.

Me and my peers used to point to various works and quip, "God, anyone could do a scribble like that". But we never did and probably couldn't have. I don't believe any of us ever became notable artists.

Response

Gretchen Albrecht Response 1982

An Albrecht similar to this was in the hallway of one of the (then) new residential blocks.

Landscape Elements V

Bill Sutton Landscape Elements V 1970

I think there was a Sutton on the wall near where they would roll out the giant conveyor belt toaster.

Living Large 6

Bill Hammond Living Large 6 1995

I think I remember a Bill Hammond in the top right corner. Probably in quite close reach.

It has been almost 20 years so I'm not sure I have all these details right.

But I'm wondering how all these works faired in the earthquakes. Very well I hope.