The Farm: The Alan Gibbs Sculpture Project at Kaipara Harbour, New Zealand

Abstract

'The Farm, Alan Gibbs' sculpture park at Kaipara Harbour in New Zealand, consists of 1,000 acres grazed by exotic animals, such as giraffes - and 23 major sculptures by new Zealand and international artists. The project commenced in 1991 after a two-year site hunt. While some of the largest works, such as Richard Serra's Te Tuhirangi Contour (1999-2001), are visible from the road, the park is not a public space.' This is a private collection. Yet it raises questions about what constitutes public art, and about the kinds of social encounters generated after initial contacts between commissioner and artist.'