Solace in the Wind, the iconic landmark on Wellington’s waterfront, is arguably New Zealand’s best-loved public art work. Artist, Max Patté celebrates the sculpture that launched his ground-breaking art to NZ and the world back in 2008, with a limited edition of 60cm replicas, each with their own unique patina, standing on an especially procured piece of Wellington Wharf beam. Sculptures go on sale 13 February, 10 years to the day that Solace in the Wind was unveiled.
Solace in the Wind was originally installed as a temporary loan to the city but was purchased by the city council after winning as People’s Choice for favourite sculpture at the Wellington Civic Trust Awards. This incredible work captured the imagination of both the people and the media, featuring in prominent publications including the Lonely Planet.
The local and international acclaim garnered from this multi-award-winning sculpture launched the career of Max Patté who now works full-time from his own studio in Miramar, Wellington. The British born artist has had his work exhibited regularly throughout New Zealand, London and Europe. His work is collected by a number of high-profile patrons, including Sir Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry, and Charles Saatchi; as well as New Zealand-based private collectors. Max’s works are also installed at Sir Michael Hill’s luxury golf course and sculpture park in the South Island.
Rewind ten years to the major undertaking that was the creation of Solace in the Wind. At the time Max was working for Sir Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop who kindly provided the studio space needed to create the full-size sculpture. Max personally funded the full cost of all the materials, and at this initial stage the Wellington City Council granted permission for a 12-month public installation of the work. During the incredibly labour-intensive process of angle-grinding Max was rushed to A&E to have three nurses and one doctor pick 24 iron particles from his eyes. Being three days before the unveiling Max had no time for recovery and despite limited vision, had to push on with protective goggles and long hours to make the unveiling date of 13 February 2008.
A short three days after the unveiling the sculpture was vandalized by two revelers visiting the city for a sailing regatta. The work had to be de-installed and repaired and was graciously paid for by the legal firm Phillips Fox (now DLA Phillips Fox) whose team loved looking out over the new work and its position on the waterfront. This was a sign of things to come as shortly after this, Wellington City Council offered to buy the work … and the rest is history!
The new anniversary edition maquette is a 3D digital scan and 1/3 scale exact replica of the full-size original installed on Wellington’s Waterfront. It is produced as a cast-iron 60cm sculpture, cast by Supreme Metals in Auckland. The maquette stands on a genuine piece of old Wellington Wharf beam which the artist tracked down and purchased especially for this anniversary edition maquette. Each edition is in its own way unique. No two works will ever display the same patina or stand on the same section of old Wharf Beam. There is a limited edition of fifty. Sculptures go on sale 13 February. Pre-orders are now available.
For orders please contact the Max Patté studio info@maxpatte.com
