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Llew Summers, ‘Tranquility’ (1981), Timaru Library, Te Tihi-o-Maru Timaru
Images: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021
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Description
Known to most locals as the-lady-outside-the-Library, 'Tranquility' was one of Llew Summers' first major works. He remembered the public reaction at its unveiling: "There were heaps of comments about it, and about 20 or more people wrote letters to the Timaru Herald, but I seem to remember about nine of those letters were in favour, which was nice." He also said "[p]eople are quicker to criticise than compliment. I always prefer to have some response than none at all. All art should challenge to some degree. The work was a major turning point for me."
The serene female figure sits with knees tucked into her arms and head resting on its side. A pattern of cascading hair forms an almost abstract geometric pattern across the back of the head.
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