Otago Sculpture Trust

BRICK COLUMN

Text contributed by Russell Moses-

The kiln-like shape of Brick Column reflects the history of the bricks.

A site-specific work constructed largely from the bricks which had comprised a kiln made by potter Barry Brickel. Prior to this they had been brought to Dunedin as ballast from Scotland in early sailing ships.

The found object iron bar atop the column is a relic of the working/shipbuilding port. The bar previously rotated on its own axis in a strong wind as a compass of sorts; it now points to docks area where the bricks originally landed.

The column was originally constructed, free standing and self-supporting, but when reconstructed in 2006, was made with mortar in line with public access and safety concerns.

Following text copyright Jo Campbell

BRICK COLUMN (1991), by Port Chalmers artist Russell Moses, is a round tower-like work constructed from recycled bricks and a long rusty rod, which balances precariously across the top. The initial sense of uniformity one gets from the tower is quickly displaced as the viewer notices the individual features of the bricks. Bricks are symbolic of the land from which they are made but also of human attempts to shape and control that land. The tower evokes a sense of balance and harmony but also impermanence. Moses seems to embrace this transience, so at odds with the history of human endeavours.

From the plaque-

Russell Moses (b. 1948) Palmerston North

BRICK COLUMN

1991

Reconstructed 2006

Hotere Foundation Trust