Update November 2023.
The bus shelter containing one part of ‘Midnight Sun, 2022’ has now been carefully disassembled and securely stored to allow for the redevelopment of Masonic Park. Council are working with artist Sara Hughes to find a new home for the well-loved work.
A spectacular, immersive artwork by New Zealand installation artist Sara Hughes will bring new life to the former Willow St bus shelter in central Tauranga. Commissioned by Supercut Projects in collaboration with Tauranga City Council, 'Midnight Sun, 2022' is an expansive, illuminated outdoor painting which captures the final setting of the sun on the eve of the Winter Solstice.
Suspended above the bus shelter and wrapping around the front of Tauranga Art Gallery to Wharf Street, 'Midnight Sun, 2022' - launching in June - will deliver a beautiful corridor of coloured light to Tauranga’s central city. As clouds pass overhead, shades of pink and golden light will flicker and dance on the pavement. Come night, replicating the luminosity of the setting sun, 'Midnight Sun, 2022' will be lit, with power donated by Trustpower, embracing evening city-dwellers in its warm glow.
‘Midnight Sun, 2022’ is available to view year-round, with the artwork up for around two years.