24 February 2006
‘The da Vinci Machines’ Exhibition Add to Creativity in Taranaki
Puke Ariki is proud to present an exhibition that brings to life some of the designs of one of history’s greatest genius
minds’, the artist-engineer Leonardo da Vinci.
‘The da Vinci Machines – Inventions and Designs of a Genius’ exhibition is based on Leonardo’s famous codices and
features authentic reconstructions of military, mechanical, hydraulic and flying machines by Florentine artisans using
materials available in 15th Century Italy. Each model was built according to Leonardo’s notes and drawings.
“I am delighted to welcome this outstanding exhibition here. Taranaki is a region that inspires and nurtures creativity
and innovation in many areas; engineering, design, painting, sculpture, photography, literature and poetry. I expect the
show will generate great interest as Puke Ariki is the second and final venue in New Zealand to host it”, says manager
Puke Ariki Bill Macnaught.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum first hosted the exhibition and has commented on it being one of their most popular and
successful shows. The models on display were produced by the Teknoart Group, a team of Florentine Artisans.
In conjunction with the exhibition Puke Ariki will present an outstanding events programme that will run for the
duration of the show. “Our education team report they already have record bookings from schools throughout the region to
view and study the exhibition,” says Mr Macnaught
“Leonardo da Vinci was a creative genius in a multitude of disciplines and was widely known for his exceptional
paintings of the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper”. Most people are not aware of how important his inventions were: his
bicycle, airplane and parachute were 500 years ahead of their time,” says Mr Macnaught.
Leonardo da Vinci was born in the Tuscan town of Vinci in 1452, an unwanted, illegitimate son of a local lawyer and
peasant girl. He was apprenticed as a painter in Florence eventually becoming a ‘master’ in his own right after being
allowed to paint his first angel in Andrea del Verrocchio’s Baptism of Christ. It is said the angel was so beautiful
that Leonardo’s master abandoned painting forever!
Leonardo moved to Milan in 1482 where he offered his services to the Duke of Milan as an engineer, sculptor and
architect. He became chief military engineer, a position he held for 17 years.
But he also showed remarkable insight in the world of science, geology and anatomy. Leonardo was the first man to
dissect an eye and discover the optic nerve connected to the brain and postulated for the first time that light travels
in a straight line at a given speed.
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Leonardo died in 1519, some say in the arms of the French King, Francis 1st, others that he died alone. Although much
mystery still surrounds the man, his legacy to the world remains relevant and impressive to this day.
Mr Macnaught says, “Taranaki is well-known as a centre of excellence in engineering. Puke Ariki is helping to position
New Plymouth as one of the most creative cities in New Zealand. This exhibition offers a perfect combination of
engineering and creativity and will appeal to a wide audience.”
The da Vinci Machines – Inventions and Designs of a Genius’
26 March – 28 May 2006
Generously sponsored by:
Reeves Middleton Young Lawyers and Notary Public
Transfield Worley Ltd
Beca Ltd
Macfarlanes Catering
ENDS