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Weta Workshop has unveiled a miniature of a sculpture, which has been proposed as a centre piece for Wellington's hosting of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The miniature of the sculpture shows rugby players competing for the ball in a lineout, and was unveiled on Monday at Weta Workshop in Miramar in Wellington.
The sculpture also has a distinct Wellington flavour with references to Island Bay and the city sky line represented on each side.
The final decision on whether to build the sculpture will be made by the Wellington City Council in June, after a period of public consultation. If approved, it will stand about five metres tall.
It will leave a lasting artistic legacy for Wellington, which will last beyond the World Cup, says Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast.
The location of the sculpture is yet to be determined but Prendergast hopes it will be erected near the World Cup village, on the waterfront.
"Art always invites debate but I am hoping that the majority of Wellingtonians will see that this legacy is more than just about rugby," Prendergast says.
Weta Workshop director Rob Gillies says the concept is an attempt to show the unity of two rugby teams coming together.
The lineout is the most significant part of the game in which the players come together so is the best aspect to show in the sculpture, he says.
"It will be a massive construction job with probably up to 30 people working on it at any one time," Gillies says.
Mixing art and rugby is a "tricky brief," he says.
Weta Workshop has been working on the project for a while with boss Richard Taylor playing an important role in its design, he says.
"We have been playing with ideas for around six months now, developing conceptual ideas in conjunction with the Wellington City Council," he says.
The sculpture, if approved, will be funded by the Wellington City Council and will cost $350,000.
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Post new commentmwadsworth said on 2010-03-15 @ 15:58 NZDT: Report abusive post
Looks great can't wait!