Black Phoenix II

1991

Ralph Hōtere

Accessible

Type

  • Sculpture

Medium

  • Stainless steel
  • Wood

Dimensions

  • Approx H2340 x W3600 x D600mm

Ralph Hōtere (Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa), ‘Black Phoenix II’ (1991), Hōtere Garden Oputae, Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin

Image: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021

2005–Current

Hōtere Garden Oputae, 4 Aurora Tce, Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin

1991–1993

Studio of Ralph Hotere, 4 Aurora Terrace, Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin

Artists
Credit

Hōtere Foundation Trust Collection

Associated Artwork Organisation(s)

Description

Fabricated from the fishing boat "Poitrel" built by Miller & Tunnage and subsequently destroyed in their 1984 fire.

Another part of the boat’s timber was used in 'Black Phoenix' held at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.

Renowned actor Sam Neill remembers helping prepare some of the wood for Black Phoenix: "Not long after beginning, Ralph said he had to slip away. Something pressing. Three or four hours later, he returned; casually mentioned he was sorry, he’d got caught up in the pub."

The Hōtere Garden at Oputae was developed to mark the return of four sculptures to their home at Observation Point. They had previously been displayed at the studio of Ralph Hōtere which stood nearby but was demolished in the development of Port Otago in 1993. The Hotere Foundation Trust, with the assistance of Port Otago Ltd, returned the sculptures to the garden on 19 December 2005, fulfilling the wishes of Ralph Hōtere.

See also: