Terry Stringer
MEMENTO MORI
2006
bronze
Terry Stringer is one of New Zealand’s leading sculptors in the international arena. For his services to the arts he was created an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003.
In formal terms Terry Stringer’s MEMENTO MORI can be seen as the culmination, on a large scale, of a series of linear works which he has developed parallel to his volumetric pieces. A bronze work based on the Christian narrative, it continues a number of life-long themes in the sculptor’s work. It is a figurative representational piece that takes on a number of appearances when seen from different angles. From one viewing point it takes the form of a turning head; it is the head of a woman. From another viewpoint the image appears to be a skull. The specific details of the images are inspired by the painting The Penitent Magdalene by the 17th century artist Georges de La Tour.
Terry Stringer’s MEMENTO MORI takes its place in the art historical continuum of its namesake. This is a tradition that became popular after the Reformation when religious painting virtually disappeared in the Protestant north of Europe. Such works include objects to remind the spectator of the transience and uncertainty of life. The language is universal and easily recognized; the skull is a prime example. In this restatement of the theme, is the reminder that the spectre of mortality is ever-present, even in idyllic arcadia.
Throughout his career Stringer has exhibited extensively, with solo shows in Auckland, Sydney, Los Angeles and London. His signature works have become synonymous with high profile public sites throughout New Zealand. The iconic, award winning sculpture/architecture he co-designed in 2001 as the ‘home’ for his sculpture park Zealandia, has become a symbol of New Zealand’s finest art. Terry Stringer lives and works at Zealandia, West Mahurangi.
Dr. Robin Woodward
*Artist’s statement Brick Bay 2006
