The High Country
The High Country, by Joanna Langford.
A close up of The High Country, by Joanna Langford.
The High Country is an aerial utopian city installation that appears to be floating above its urban surroundings. This fanciful work utilises existing found and recycled materials to create an image of lush pastures surrounding an illuminated model city. Contrasting with the new urban environment of Christchurch, as epitomised by gap sites and vacant lots, Langford’s work provides a whimsical visionary environment.
The High Country was commissioned for the 6th SCAPE Christchurch Biennial of Art in Public Space in October 2010. Foiled by the September 2010 earthquake, it was re-scheduled for installation in early 2011. The February 2011 earthquake put the planned inner-city location for the artwork out-of-bounds, and the artwork has been sitting, waiting, in an engineering workroom since that time.
It is free-to-view and SCAPE encourage people to visit after dark when it will be fully illuminated.