City Scene - 18

Loved this wall of posters on the side wall on a Grey Lynn Deli in Auckland.

In 50 years time, posters like these will probably be collectible - small windows into the social fabric and fashions of earlier times. Sirely I can't be the only person who feels compelled to record them?

More Mueck Ladies

A continuing parade of the little of ladies 'spying on Christchurch.'

Ron Mueck continues at Christchurch Art Gallery until January 23, 2011.

www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Unexpected Bedfellows

I love it when words 'collide' in a city scape - unexpected partnerings that would never occur anywhere other than in massed city signage. I photographed this little collection on the side of a building in Wellington's Woodward Street yesterday.

An Art Post(er)

I like multiples of things. Can't seem to help myself. If one image can turn into six variations on a theme I'm all the happier for it. In this case the multiple overlay of art exhibition posters spotted around the streets of Christchurch.

A Patchwork of Rooflines

Christchurch October 2009. Ajr

No one could ever accuse Christchurch of being a radical city. By and large it is an architectural wasteland when it comes to the innovative, contemporary architectural statements that I love - the ones that push barriers and defy expectations. So I have to content myself with small changes and additions - like this new burst of colour tucked up among the haphazard rooflines on the corner of Lichfield and Colombo Streets. I like the way it enlivens an otherwise puzzling gathering of roof shapes and building lines. I spotted it when I was driving along Colombo Street on Thursday - my eyes so now attune to the fabric of the city that I see every new scribble of graffiti, every new mural, every new poster or billboard, delighting in a small, transitory visual surprise that may well be gone when I return to the same spot next week.

Art Statements

I received an invitation to this new exhibition - Ilios, at High Street Project in Christchurch - but I've set it to one side and can't remember who has created the show. I did however, have fun following the poster all over the city on the weekend. I love the way it has 'taken up residence' with other signs and posters to create a visual expression in its own right.

Art on High - Another View

I like the three-way intersection of Lichfield, Manchester and High Streets here in Christchurch. There's always something happening there - both visually and physically - and I often sit there waiting for people and photographs. It's also a great corner for changing billboards and poster hoardings; and it's home to Phil Price's kinetic sculpture that provides ever-changing opportunities for a snap. It's here that you'll also find the Physics Room Kiosk that I wrote about earlier this week.

A Wall in Grey Lynn

Grey Lynn, Auckland. April 2009. Ajr

There's nothing I like more than a wall covered in posters - all that crazy colour and pattern, the layers of graphics and type faces - a frenzy of city activity all there for us to admire, denigrate, anticipate or contemplate. Long live the poster I say! A blot on the landscape for some; tantalising little pockets of visual activity for me.

The Phantom Poster Paster

Christchurch March 2009. Ajr

And here was me thinking posters and billboards were put up by fairies under the cover of darkness. In all my years of wandering the streets photographing billboards and posters (I do do other things too), I have never EVER seen anyone putting them up. I'm not sure this fellow was entirely thrilled at my photographing him at work but I find you can get away with quite a lot if you pretend to be a foreigner who can't speak English.

City Graphics

SOL, Christchurch. March 2009. Ajr

One of my favourite inner city poster walls is looking particularly bright and interesting this week. This is one of the walls in SOL Square.

Art Events Galore

Christchurch Posters. March 2009. Ajr

It's all happening in Christchurch.

Along with the Ellerslie International Flower Show this week, there's also a bounty of art events. The city has been brightly coloured with lively posters and dozens of retailers have gotten on board with a floral theme for the flower show. I went out walking last night with my camera and was, as usual, more than happy to snap more than my fair share of photos.

Shark Meets Paper

Manchester Street, Christchurch. Feb 2009. Ajr

I'm obviously missing something here

BUT

I parked behind this truck at the traffic lights the other day and for the life of me I couldn't - and still can't - make the connection between a paper company and a shark!

Back Alley Business

SOL, Christchurch. Feb 2009 Ajr

This is one of my favourite poster walls. I re-visit it frequently for an ever-changing display of colourful poster graphics. LOVE IT! www.sol.net.nz

City Graphics

SOL Square. Oct 2008. Ajr

I love this tumble of graphics and imagery in SOL Square - posters competing with city signs.

Da Vinci's Machines

Christchurch. Sept.2008. Ajr

I love this juxtaposition

Of posters and machines

Even better

It's just across the road from

Christchurch Art Gallery