A figure submerged in a pond surrounded by floating autumn leaves, part of the water sculpture 'Regret' by Sam Mahon in Hagley Park.

This is part of the water sculpture in Hagley Park (by the Archery Lawn). I’ve photographed it before (in Spring), but did not know the history of the sculpture – until I found the information below on the Art Gallery website. I rather like this ‘Autumnal’ version – with the leaves floating around the figure.

Regret, a spidery tower by local sculptor and painter Sam Mahon, is intended to reflect the ‘messy reality’ of human life. Over ten metres high and made from steel rod of various thicknesses, the sculpture will rise up out of the small pond on the Archery Lawn. As well as a wind-turned bird on the top of the structure and revolving masks halfway down, there will also be a partially submerged figure reclining in the water.

full-sculpture.jpg
Here’s a shot of the whole pond so you can see it in context. I took this shot back in October (our spring – the grass is looking all lush).

3 responses to “Regret Water Sculpture Botanic Gardens”

  1. Ineke avatar

    To call a statue like this regret seems cynical. Or maybe to think of regret like this is not what regret means to me.
    duh???
    Better start all over.
    The statue seems to be of someone lost.
    Regret can mean being lost, but is more longing.
    I’d better stop here. I can not even get it myself.

    Like

  2. mo avatar

    Fantastic, this is an amazing sculpture.

    Like

  3. Lachezar avatar

    Beautifully photographed!
    I don’t mind what it is called. It is a beautiful sculptural composition. Just looking at the blindfolded submerged figure makes me shiver…

    Cheers!

    Like

Leave a comment

I’m Michelle

Welcome to Christchurch Daily Photo, my (mostly) daily photo blog about Christchurch New Zealand. If you are new here, start with Michelle’s Favourites as these are some of my best photos.

  1. Robert's avatar

    I have a long time friend in Papanui as it’s on her side of town who would love Kai Co…

  2. Michelle's avatar

    The earthquakes really gave Christchurch the opportunity to fully embrace street art and now we’ve become well know for it.…

  3. Robert's avatar
  4. Robert's avatar

    Consider yourself to be very fortunate to have artists in your area allowed to create such outstanding murals of this…

  5. Robert's avatar

Latest Comments

  1. Robert's avatar

    I have a long time friend in Papanui as it’s on her side of town who would love Kai Co…

  2. Michelle's avatar

    The earthquakes really gave Christchurch the opportunity to fully embrace street art and now we’ve become well know for it.…

  3. Robert's avatar
  4. Robert's avatar

    Consider yourself to be very fortunate to have artists in your area allowed to create such outstanding murals of this…

  5. Robert's avatar