Tomas Richards

14-20 September 2014

Property Partner - Positively Wellington Tourism

Site: 101 Wakefield Street (across from Lido Cafe)

Images: Initial documentation of vacant space by the artist.

A discreet intervention into a vacant space, Urban Bodies, Morphic Assemblies is an art-based project exploring the presence and potentiality of neglected everyday objects and spaces in central Wellington streets. Inspired by the shifting form of a city under constant reconstruction (on-going earthquake strengthening, road-works etc.) artist Tomas Richards is interested in generating new attention and discussion around the shifting identity of the simple spaces we often take for granted. As a project it is an extra pairing with another UDB project running Julieanna Preston's Sounding Out Vacancy.

Part of Tomas interest is how when a tool (or any other object) breaks and displays a lack of function, we become more aware of it as a thing in itself. How even the most humble objects – such as a pile of bricks, a cracked pavement – may be seen as strange bodies. Searching out fascinating forgotten objects and incidental quirks of urban spaces, Tomas promotes looking closer at the 'ordinary', to find affecting beauty in their subtle details. Gradually transforming and reinvigorating this vacant space into an evolving installation, he aims to draw attention to potentials for fresh engagement. He is considering the vacant interior itself as an artwork – earnestly appreciating and highlighting its unique details and traces of its history.

With each visit the public can follow the space's growth, becoming part of the event, and helping build a conversation about the 'hidden gems' of our city.

Tomas has created a Tumblr blog documenting the work here.

Tomas Richards is currently in the first year of a two year MFA at Massey University, Wellington, his work revolves around carefully cultivating attentiveness toward pre-existing details of particular public locations, their accumulated traces and detritus. Recent projects include A Material Return; Torrens-Palmer-ReSitu. No.5 (Exposure13, Massey, 2013) and in collaboration, contributing the aural component for Katherine Joyce-Kellaway's immersive installation Within Outside (30Upstairs, 2013).