The Wellington Sculpture Trust has commissioned a new public artwork by Korean/New Zealand artist, Seung Yul Oh, for Waitangi Park.
Chair of the Wellington Sculpture Trust, Jane Black, said: “Seung’s work KIMI/ You Are Here is sited in the coastal planting area within the old shipping dry-dock. At 5.5metres, it can be seen from near and far and appears nestled within the vegetation from many viewpoints. Sited at the end of the path, it creates an element of concealment and discovery.
“The work is highly engineered with a delicate point of connection to the ground, gently touching the concrete path and appearing to be virtually suspended through clever concealment of its foundations.
“Just like a ‘pin drop’, KIMI/You Are Here is a dramatic statement and marker of the site. The inverted tear drop made of stainless steel reflects the grasses and plants surrounding it and all those who take the path less trodden to stand at its base.
“With its strong visual presence across the park and from the surrounding road, it invites viewers to seek it out, first needing to find the path, leading to a more intimate engagement.
The highly polished mirror surface of the work provides a contrasting element to the natural landscaped environment and its reflective nature, capturing the movement of the surrounding vegetation, the sky, as well as the viewer themselves.
The Trust sought permission to place the work in the park from both the Council and mana whenua. “We are honoured that the Ahu Whenua Trusts: Wellington Tenths Trust and Palmerston North Māori Reserve Trusts have generously presented You are Here with a name and whakatauki to enrich the work’s context and significance.
Kimi (Seek) – signifies the actions to seek, look for, delve, search or hunt. ‘Kimi horoa, kimi Horapa (seek far and wide). This whakatauki advocates for extensive exploration and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding in a broad, sweeping manner.
“It captures the notion that one should not confine their exploration to known areas but should rather broaden their search to acquire diverse perspectives, comprehensive insights, and wisdom.
The name KIMI, along with its accompanying whakatauki, not only aligns with the artist’s vision for viewers to ‘engage in multiple perspectives’ but also holds deep cultural significance and an important message for Wellington and all of Aotearoa at the beginning of the 21st century.
The Trust believes this work by Seung will become a place maker for not only the park, but also Wellington itself – encouraging people to acknowledge the immediate presence of the sculpture and to explore the intricate web of narratives and hidden treasures associated with this site and our wonderful city.”
“This place-making work comes to Wellington at a time when the city needs to inject its creative spirit, entrepreneurial nous and vibrancy back into its collective conscience.”
Seung says of his work: “This hollow and empty invisible void alighted upon this location, absorbs its surroundings to manifest itself.
“Its intangible physicality exists solely by the breath of perception breathed into it. It continually negotiates the potential for growth and the vanishing of its mass, both from within and beyond the surface.
“The site gives an opportunity for both the viewer and the work to engage in multiple perspectives to experience together. The context of a public park with multiple purposes, invites a variety of people to search, confront, surprise, reflect, remember and grow with the work.”
Jane Black said: “The commissioning of this work saw the Trust embark on its biggest fundraising effort since its inception 40 years ago. Through vigorous efforts and many generous donations, the Trust raised the required funds and the work was opened to the public in November 2025."
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