Ben Pearce’s work, #PaperPalsAotearoa was four larger than life origami-like animals sitting atop each of the four plinths. The work talked to the environment, the treatment of wildlife, the relationships between continents, and our need to co-exist with other life forms – the need to find a balance. Ben’s work often explores memory and childhood, with the four figures playing to his love of origami and the animals we have all enjoyed in our childhoods, providing a playful approach for all ages to enjoy.
Ben Pearce is a sculptor based in Hawkes Bay and works with wood, stone, metal and found objects. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2003, majoring in in sculpture at Whanganui Quay School of Fine Arts and has exhibited regularly all around New Zealand and Australia since.
The Collin Post 4 Plinths Project Sculpture Award
The Wellington Sculpture Trust, with the Collin Post 4 Plinths Project, made a departure from permanent to temporary public art, and for the past 16 years has showcased New Zealand sculptural practice with biennial sculpture installations. The aim of the project is to foster art, artists and audience interactions, and to provide an opportunity for established and emerging artists to work in the area of large-scale public sculpture.
The Trust acknowledges with warm appreciation its major sponsors, the Post Family Trust who gift the $50,000 award, Wellington City Council and the Public Art Fund, as well as the support of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Seresin Wines.
This work was on display from February 2022 until January 2024.
