“This series of handcrafted terracotta and stoneware tiles are positioned to form a large mural that flows down the stairwell wall. The artwork uses the natural behaviour of clay, both fired and unfired, as a metaphor for the Council's task of providing physical and social order within a tendency for dissolution and chaos.”

- Source: Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

An information panel installed with the work reads:

"Structure & Erosion was offered as a metaphor for the struggle the Council has in containing the chaotic uncontrollable elements of both humanity and nature with the grid-like structure of a modern city.

- Paul Johnson 2017"

“This ceramic mural refers to the might of the land and its ever-changing nature. Johnson chose clay to describe the land because it is literally sculpted land. His works often pay tribute to the commanding, but fragile beauty of the land, the waters and the heavens with respect to the original owners of the land.”

Also located in the same foyer, and commissioned at the same time, is Holly Sanford’s untitled glass work (1985).

See also:

• Pubic Art: Structure and Erosion (Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery website)