Jeppe HEIN
Long Modified Bench Waitemata Green 2011/2015
Powder-coated aluminium and LEDs
Permanent installation, Waitemata Plaza, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland.
Edmiston Trust Collection.
The installation is part of Jeppe Hein’s larger series of Social Modified Benches that have developed out if his interest in proxemics, the study of how humans use space, and his belief that it is important to discover ways to connect people. Unlike typical park benches his modified benches invite interaction.
Hein had initially been invited by Auckland Art Gallery to undertake a temporary installation, to be sponsored by the Edmiston Trust, for the terrace facing Albert Park to mark the re-opening of the Art Gallery.
The Trust and the Art Gallery were keen to see the bench remain in Auckland when the commission expired. Waitemata Plaza in Wynyard Quarter was selected as suitable permanent site and the artist began to work closely with the urban designers. His installation became the catalyst for the redesign.
At night a sinuous run of LEDs creates a gentle pool of light under the seating welcoming those passing to stop to watch the vessels in the harbour and fellow passers by.
Photographs : Joanna Wright
Jeppe HEIN b. 1974
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jeppe Hein now lives and works in Berlin, Germany.
Hein studied art at the Royal Danish Academy of Arts, Copenhagen and at the Städel Hochschule für Bildende Künste, Frankfurt.
In 1997 he co-founded OTTO, a non-commercial exhibition forum, in Copenhagen and in 2007 he set up Karriere, a restaurant and art venue. Since 1997 he has exhibited in both solo and group shows; including: Please Touch the Art, a Public Art Fund project, New York, USA, 2015; 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Japan, 2011; Neues Museum Nürnberg, Germany 2010; Perth International Arts Festival and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, Australia, 2010; Sculpture Center, New York, USA, 2007; Hayward Gallery, London, UK, 2006; Liverpool Biennial, UK, 2006; MOCA, Los Angeles, USA, 2005; Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France, 2005; MOMA PS1, New York, USA, 2004.
Major public commissions include: Path of Silence, Kistefos-Museet, Jevnaker, Norway, 2016; Blue Modified Social Benches, Copenhagen/Kastrup, Denmark, 2015; Water Pavilion Perth, Perth, Western Australia, 2012; Water Pavilion Aalborg, KINSTON Museum for Modern Art, Aalborg, Denmark, 2011; Connecting Views, EMSCHERKUNST.2010, European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010, Essen, Germany, 2010; Follow Me, Bristol University, Great Britain, 2009; Lightline, Sydbank, Aabenraa, Denmark, 2008; Oppenheim Bank, Cologne, Germany, 2008; Appearing Rooms, Expo 2008, Zaragoza, Spain, 2008; Monsieur Canal, Thoraise, Canal du Rhône au Rhin, France, 2008; Water Flame, Geo Center, Møns Klint, Denmark, 2007; Chiswick Park, London, Great Britain, 2007; Place de la Fleur, Lorient, France, 2006; Water Island, Leeuwenborgh College Maastricht, 2006; Blomsten, EPO Den Haag, Netherlands, 2004.
His work is featured in major public and private collections.
Other Jeppe HEIN Artworks
