Wind Wand Explained

Wind Wand
Artist:Len Lye
Year:1997–98 (groundbreaking)
1998–99 (constructed)
1 January 2000 (opened)
Type:Kinetic sculpture
Dimensions:48m (157feet) high
200mm diameter
City:New Plymouth, New Zealand

The Wind Wand is a 48-metre kinetic sculpture located in New Plymouth, New Zealand.[1] The sculpture includes a 45-metre tube of red fibreglass, and was made to designs by artist Len Lye.[2] To residents, it is one of the main icons of New Plymouth. During the night, the Wind Wand lights up.

Costing over $300,000 it was originally installed in December 1999 along with the Coastal Walkway, it had to be taken down within weeks. After repairs it was reinstalled in June 2001.[3] The red fibreglass tube stands vertical in still air, but bends in the wind.[4]

On 17 September 2017, the Wind Wand was struck by lightning.

Materials

The Wind Wand is constructed out of fibreglass and carbon fibre. It weighs around 900 kg and has a diameter of 200 mm. The Wind Wand can bend at least 20 m. The red sphere on the top contains 1,296 light-emitting diodes.[5]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: From Wind Wand to Waving Wands. Govett Brewster. 1 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180502140302/http://www.govettbrewster.com/events/tour/from-wind-wand-to-waving-wands#. 2018-05-02. dead.
  2. Web site: Our Wind Wand . Windwand.co.nz . 15 December 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091118171706/http://www.windwand.co.nz/ourwindwand_main.htm . 18 November 2009 .
  3. Web site: Wind wand returns to New Plymouth shore. The Press. 27 June 2001. 15 December 2009.
  4. Web site: Puke Ariki . New Plymouth Top 10 Holiday Park . 26 July 2015.
  5. Web site: Len Lye Wind Wand . New Plymouth District Council . 5 December 2012 . https://archive.today/20130129175942/http://www.newplymouthnz.com/OurDistrict/Attractions/PublicSculptures/LenLyeWindWand.htm . 29 January 2013 . live .