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Work is almost complete at the University of Canterbury College of Engineering to build a ‘gallery sized’ working model of Lye’s Sun Land and Sea – his most ambitious outdoor work. This kinetic work is a dramatic creation myth acted out by pulsating strips of highly polished steel (seven Sea Serpents, a Cave Goddess and a Sun God). The performance culminates with a ‘lightning-like’ discharges of electricity. At full scale, this work will be 150 feet long and almost as high! Although Lye built several working models of Sun, Land and Sea he never realised the full scaled work in his life time. The model pictured to the left is one of several Lye built while developing this work.
The research and construction of the 30 foot ‘indoor’ model is being undertaken by PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Alex O’Keefe. Alex is studying the travelling and standing waves that form when the steel strip is excited at one end. The picture to the left shows waves being generated on the test rig at the university..
Alex has also become proficient at creating ‘lightning bolts’, and other electrical effects required for this work with the help of staff and colleagues in the High Voltage laboratory.
The Foundation has enjoyed a long standing relationship with the Engineering College where several of Lye’s works have been developed and tested.
Sun, Land and Sea will have its inaugural exhibition in Christchurch later this year.
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