Rainbow Machine wins prestigious award OurAuckland story

This bright yellow artwork encourages people of all ages to learn about the science of creating rainbows, bringing together a unique mix of art, science and engineering to create a fun, interactive experience.

*Rainbow Machine* was designed and built by artists, architects and scientists working together. The three artists are Sarosh Mulla, Shahriar Asdollah-Zadeh and Patrick Loo; scientists from Callaghan Innovation and Kiwistar Optics also provided their expertise.

This engaging sculpture uses eight custom-made lenses to reflect and refract light. The lenses and the module were built using innovative technology and new manufacturing processes. *Rainbow Machine* is also a mobile artwork that moves to different locations across Auckland. Throughout the year, *Rainbow Machine* goes to different parts of the city, creating rainbows whenever the sun is shining.

Rainbow Machine

Welcoming visitors to the Whangaparāoa Library, these giant bouquets of native flora are brightly rendered in perforated aluminium. The colour palette is inspired by the colourful, old-style baches that used to be scattered around the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. The bouquets represent plants and tree flowers found in the local area such as kōwhai, pōhutukawa, flax and ferns.

*Flora* is by Auckland artist Jeff Thomson, who is well known for his corrugated iron artworks of animals, plants and people. Thomson has been a full-time sculptor since 1986, after graduating from Elam School of Fine Arts in 1982. He has exhibited extensively in New Zealand and internationally.

This project was initiated by the former Rodney District Council in 2010 and supported in 2012 by Auckland Council's public art fund dedicated to the creation of permanent new works in public places.

Flora

A sculpture consisting of clusters of colourful bubbles, with mist coming out of giant, bendy straws welcomes visitors to Albany Stadium Pool. Children can climb the structures and jump up to reach the puffing water vapour.

This large-scale interactive artwork by Seung Yul Oh was designed to capture a sense of fun and play. In creating *Upon a Pond*, Oh was inspired by the idea of water as ‘always changing’, as well as our interactions with water – such as bubbles rising up to its surface and a swimmer’s inhalation and exhalation of breath. Bubbles became an important creative element for the artist – the sculptural bubbles, which vary in size, come out one end of the oversized bendy white straws, while high-pressure water puffs from the other.

This works brings a sense of surprise and playfulness to the public space outside the pool. As well as *Upon a Pond*, Oh created [*Drop a Loop*](/artworks/4001), a series of cloud-shaped light boxes that hang like colourful droplets at the pool entrance. Both artworks showcase water in different states and celebrate the fun associated with a trip to the pool.

Upon a Pond

A series of cloud-shaped light boxes hang like droplets at the entrance to Albany Stadium Pool, adding colour and vibrancy to the space. As if hanging from the ceiling, this eye-catching work by Seung Yul Oh allows art to become part of an everyday experience for pool-goers.

The series of 11 colourful light boxes vary in size and colour, inspired by water droplets. Oh has also added lighting to the work, which adjusts as the daylight levels change.

As well as *Drop a Loop*, Oh also created [*Upon a Pond*](/artworks/4000), a large, interactive piece that stands outside the entrance to the pool. Both artworks showcase water in different states and celebrate the sense of fun associated with a trip to the pool.

Sarosh Mulla, Patrick Loo, Shahriar Asdollah-Zadeh

Rainbow Machine

"A beautiful, bright yellow artwork that makes rainbows when the sun is out, often seen at Silo Park. Rainbow Machine is temporarily unavailable but keep an eye out to see where it will pop up next."

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Rainbow Machine wins prestigious award OurAuckland story

Rainbow Machine at Big Gay Out video

Rainbow Machine at Silo Park

How to use Rainbow Machine

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