Artworks creating new look for New Brighton

Two local artists are helping transform the look of New Brighton’s foreshore with a large mural and a basketball court artwork.

The artists - Josh O’Rourke and Nathan Ingram – are installing some of their art in the area south of New Brighton pier after winning the SCAPE Public Art Re:ACTIVATE 2018: New Brighton competition for emerging artists.

Work underway on Josh O’Rourke’s Low Pressure High Pressure  2018, on site south of the New Brighton Pier. Photo by Reuben Woods. Image courtesy of the artist and SCAPE Public Art

The competition was organised by SCAPE Public Art in conjunction with Development Christchurch Limited (DCL) as part of an initiative to regenerate spaces in New Brighton.

Nathan Ingram’s artwork, Forces, is being produced on a basketball surface (similar to the work of Project Backboard in the USA), while Josh O’Rourke’s artwork, Low Pressure High Pressure is a large wall mural that will fill the space overlooking the basketball court.

“We’re so please that we can support the artists, Nathan and Josh, through the process of producing large-scale public artworks and give something back to the people of New Brighton,’’ says SCAPE Public Art Executive Director Deborah McCormick.

“It’s art that’s both energising and serves a regenerative purpose.’’

DCL Chief Executive Rob Hall says the artworks are part of wider efforts to regenerate New Brighton.

“These artworks are both fun and community-driven and will sit well in the local environment. I am looking forward to seeing each phase of artwork completed and celebrating with everyone in and around New Brighton when the work is finished next year.

“This is another step towards making New Brighton Christchurch’s beachside destination,’’ Mr Hall says.

Work on the mural is expected to be completed in late December, while the basketball court art work is expected to be completed in March.  

A community celebration will be held when both artworks are completed.

Nathan Ingram, Forces 2018 (render). Image courtesy of the artist and SCAPE Public Art.