Seung Yul Oh’s work KIMI / You Are Here was formally ‘unveiled’ by Mayor of Wellington Andrew Little on 26th November, with His Excellency, Ambassador for South Korea Mr Changsik Kim, also in attendance. The work is the 30th permanent public work of art commissioned by the Wellington Sculpture Trust. Chair of the Wellington Sculpture Trust, Jane Black, says:
“Seung’s work KIMI / You Are Here is sited in the coastal planting area within the old shipping dry-dock. At 5.5 metres, it can be seen from near and far and appears nestled within the vegetation from many viewpoints, but in fact it sits at the end of the path, creating an element of concealment and discovery. The work is highly engineered with a delicate point of connection to the ground. It gently touches the concrete path and appears to be virtually suspended through clever concealment of its foundations. This is all thanks to the exceptional work of the engineers, Dunning Thornton, and the commitment, care, and precision of the fabricators: Kerry Fowler and his team at Global Stainless in Taranaki. Working with the designers of Waitangi Park, Wraight Landscape Architects, Athfield Architects, and the Wellington City Council were also instrumental in the selection of the site and the integration of the sculpture into it. Just like a ‘pin drop’, KIMI / You Are Here is a dramatic statement and marker of the site. The inverted teardrop made of stainless steel reflects the grasses and plants surrounding it and the people 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.”
Artist Statement
Seung, a Korean/New Zealand artist, says of his work:
“There’s something magical and slightly surreal about seeing a thought become a physical presence in the world… and in Wellington, where the wind likes to test every sculpture’s courage. Kimi is like a drop of thought caught in space. This work touches the ground lightly, mirrors its environment, and invites anyone who approaches to linger, reflect, and trace the invisible threads that connect us to place and to one another. Now that it is unveiled, Kimi gently releases its ties to those who shaped it and enters the open world, where it can be held by changing light, shifting weather, and the eyes of strangers. It will belong to those who pass by and those who pause, each meeting it through their own memories, feelings, and sense of time. That’s the beauty of public art: once it’s out here, it lives its own life. Art in public space is a strange and beautiful thing, it can’t be hidden, and it can’t be controlled. It becomes part of people’s daily weather. I hope this work brings a moment of curiosity, calm, or even laughter—an invitation to step closer, linger, and see how the land, the sky, and our own reflections meet in its quiet space.”
Cultural Significance
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 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.
Place-Making and Community Impact
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 city. Jane Black says:
“The place-making work comes to Wellington at a time when the city is just starting to once again inject its creative spirit, entrepreneurial nous, and vibrancy back into its collective conscience. The commissioning of this work saw the Trust embark on its biggest fundraising effort since its inception 42 years ago. It needed to raise $600,000 to commission the work, and it is thanks to the generosity of organisations and individual Wellingtonians who shared in the vision of this work that it was possible.”
Acknowledgements
The Trust wishes to acknowledge and thank everyone who contributed and made this significant work possible. In particular, our principal donors and supporters:
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Wellington City Council
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Richard Nelson
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The Morgan Foundation
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The Letteri Family
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Brian & Sally Hasell
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The Lion Foundation
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Willis Bond