Len Lye: Storm

26 Aug 2023 - 01 Apr 2024

Exhibited in 1969 and consigned to the artist’s archives ever since, the kinetic sculpture Storm makes its 21st Century debut through a new reconstruction from the Len Lye Foundation.

Plays at 10:30am, 11:30am, and 2:30pm daily.

Len Lye Centre
Artists Len Lye

Storm comprises of three individual sculptures, brought together by the artist into a choreographed ensemble. The familiar Storm King is joined by Thunder Sheet and Lightning Bolts, two works never before seen at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. Together, they evoke the forces of nature in a loud and thrilling performance.

Exhibited just once in Lye’s lifetime, Storm featured in Howard Wise Gallery’s exhibition Kinesthetics where it provided a teaser of a larger work occupying Lye’s mind – an ensemble of over 40 kinetic sculptures called Storm Chamber.

Working from the original sculpture, archival drawings, notes and sound recordings, the Len Lye Foundation continue their long tradition of bringing Lye’s vintage and unrealised kinetic sculptures to life.

Opening Weekend events: 

Artist's Talk 

Sat 26 Aug | 11–11.30AM

With Noel Meek, Eamon Edmundsen-Wells and Larsen Winiata Tito-Taylor.

Performance of Weather Assemblage

Sat 26 Aug | 11.30AM–3PM

The first performance of Weather Assemblage, a new musical performance composed in response to, and in concert with, Len Lye: Storm. 

Performances of Weather Assemblage will take place at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm for a performance time of 30 minutes each. 

Toi Mā Te Whānau | Family Art: Make your own wind instruments

Sun 27 Aug | 10.30AM–12.30PM

Eamon Edmundson-Wells and Sean Martin-Buss teach you how to make wind instruments with things you can find in the house and garden.

Musician's Masterclass for Confident Musicians | Bring your own instrument

Sun 27 Aug | 1.30PM–3.30PM

Explore the concepts and practices behind Weather Assemblage, looking at how Len Lye's sculptures can be incorporated into music, how and why improvisation and taonga pūoro are used, and what it all has to do with weather. Led by Noel Meek, Rob Thorne, Jake Kīanō Skinner, and Larsen Winiata Tito-Taylor.

Wind Wand Performance Session

SUN 27 AUG | 3PM

All participants of the day’s Toi Mā Te Whānau Family Art and Musicians’ Masterclass are invited to perform beneath Len Lye’s Wind Wand on the Coastal Walkway. If it’s raining, the performance will be in Gallery 6 in the Len Lye Centre.