Llewelyn (Llew) Summers (1947-2019) was a sculptor based in Christchurch, New Zealand, known for his distinctive sculptures of the human form. We are so grateful to be able to enjoy two beautiful public artworks by him. The Aigantighe Art Gallery is very fortunate to have two of Summers' works in its permanent collection as well.
Tranquility is outside the Timaru Public Library. This was Summers' first sculpture to be installed in Timaru Tranquility in 1981. It caused a bit of controversy, and depicts a nude woman.
Encircling the Baroque is at the Piazza on the Bay Hill. It is created from bronze, is formed in the shape of an 'O' stands 2.3m high and depicts figures.
Summers started sculpting in his late teens while working on farms in the early 1960s. He decided to become an artist in 1977. He worked from a warehouse-style workshop filled with machinery, including a mechanical drill from the early 1900s, at his Mt Pleasant property.
Summers told Stuff in December 2011 that he still remembered the heated reaction of one of his first major works in Timaru – Tranquility. The piece, which was commissioned in 1981, sits outside the Timaru Library. "There were heaps of comments about it, and about 20 or more people wrote letters to the Timaru Herald, but I seem to remember about nine of those letters were in favour, which was nice," he said. "People are quicker to criticise than compliment. I always prefer to have some response than none at all. All art should challenge to some degree. The work was a major turning point for me."
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