Cytoplasm

Nature, science and art combine to create this dancing kinetic sculpture by Phil Price. The large, wind-activated artwork is made up of 16 pod-like discs, which move on their own and together. Even in a gentle breeze Cytoplasm is constantly in motion, much like the work’s namesake: cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within living cells that carries out life's processes and gives cells their pod-like form. Taking centre stage on the waterfront at Viaduct Harbour, this artwork is perfectly positioned for people to interact and admire; the silver pods even light up at night.

Price draws much of his inspiration from the physical world. Like a flower is perfectly designed by Mother Nature, the artist’s sculptures are also highly engineered, their organic shapes re-imaginings of the natural world. Wind-activated sculpture has been his focus since the early 2000s and Price is now regarded as a leader in the art form.

Cytoplasm was originally exhibited in 2003 at Sculpture on the Gulf, Waiheke Island. It was purchased by the Auckland City Sculpture Trust, gifted to Auckland City and installed in Waitematā Plaza in December 2004.