Tuna Kuwharuwharu
SPONSORED BY
Perched with backdrop of the Waikato River, this longfin eel is representative of NZ’s top freshwater predator and commonly found in the Waikato River.
It has lived in New Zealand for 80 million years and hugely important to the biodiversity of our waterways. Since the mid-1800s the longfin eel has been so undervalued that if we do not start to appreciate this fascinating fish it may soon be extinct.
About The Artist
James Wright is a New Zealand Sculptor who draws inspiration from his heritage and rural upbringing. His large scale Corten steel sculptures are found throughout NZ in private and public collections.
A raw and natural style gives James’ work a distinct and striking, unique look. Working with the steel’s natural tendencies, James finds forms within the material and draws it out to stand proud in the landscape. Many of James’ artworks have either won or become ‘People’s Choice’ in several of NZ’s leading sculpture exhibitions, his work has featured on television shows such as Grand Designs, Design Junkies and Seven Sharp.
Sculpture Development
From the initial concept, to installation – take a look at the making of Tuna Kuwharuwharu
Concept Image
A concept drawing of Tuna Kuwharuwharu
Installation Site
Tuna Kuwharuwharu site, overlooking the Waikato River
Construction Begins
The body of Tuna Kuwharuwharu takes shape
Tuna Kuwharuwharu Progress
James Wright works on the body detail
Tuna Kuwharuwharu Head
The head is constructed
Tuna Kuwharuwharu Fins
The detail on the fins can be seen
Artist & Sculpture
James Wright with Tuna Kuwharuwharu before installation
Transport to Site
Tuna Kuwharuwharu is loaded onto the trailer
Installation
Tuna Kuwharuwharu is installed
Tuna Kuwharuwharu
Tuna Kuwharuwharu after installation
Visit The Sculpture
Tuna Kuwharuwharu is located on the Velodrome to Cambridge section of the Te Awa River Ride.
