Bush Walk brings tranquillity to Older Persons building
Susan Skerman in front of her Bush Walk
Bringing tranquillity to those who find frustration in the simplest of tasks is the hope for Waikato District Health
Board’s newest art installation, Bush Walk by Susan Skerman.
The 20 screen printed panels of perspex hover above open air atrium in the Older Persons and Rehabilitation Building.
Susan Skerman gifted the panels to Waikato DHB and admitted at an official blessing, feeling worried about how they were
going to be displayed.
The installation in the Older Persons and Rehabilitation Building was originally part of 700 panels exhibited in a
pavilion as part of the 1970 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Property and Infrastructure’s Kevin Bardsley shows Susan Skerman how he organised the panels’ hanging.
“I was terrified about how it was going to look, but I actually think it is better than Japan,” she said.
“It was hung against a dark background (in Japan) and it took the life out of them,” said Skerman.
Waikato Health Trust, the district health board’s vehicle for donations, funded the installation supported by Waikato DHB’s Arts Advisory
Committee.
Trustee Maureen Chrystall said it was an honour to support such a world class artwork.
“The things we leave for our children are literacy, architecture and art and this is something I am very proud to pass
on.”
As part of the installation’s blessing chaplain Jan Calvert said the piece brought the life and energy of New Zealand’s
bush into the building.
“It evokes the beauty of nature and past memories of tramps and bush walks.”
The installation will permanently be on display.
ends