THE STORY OF AN OCTOPUS
New year’s 2023 had one of our most ambitious artworks ever – a giant wheke (octopus) on top of the White Stag stage overlooking the dance floor. It was fully internally lit and projection mapped. Each night it had different colours and sequences inspired by the real life pulsing patterns of an octopus.
The 10 metre span tentacle sea-creature combined art and decor and is one of our most iconic pieces of festival art.
‘Octo’ was conceived by festival creative-Director, John Paul Moss, and designed and built by the talented Abby Fleur who led a team of helpers through over 100 hours to build it and install thousands of lights so it would be as vivid and spectacular as the sea creature. Keep scrolling for a Q+A with Abby Fleur and some photos from the build process of the amazing creature.
THE MANY SHADES OF OCTO
(watch the video)
Design concepts
Abby Fleur
Rainbow octo on closing night
Q+A WITH ABBY FLEUR
How did you get involved with this project?
Myself and whānau have been involved with AUM since the beginning in various ways. It was with the support and encouragement of the community that I began performing music, which has been a very special journey. I was invited to create the Octopus to adorn the main stage, drawing on my visual arts degree in sculpture and lantern-making skill-set from the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival.
When you were asked to create it, did you have an immediate idea of how to go about creating it?
I definitely had a method in mind, but there were various technical challenges to solve along the way. I had never made a lantern this massive, so it was a bit daunting! Planning the build and managing my team was also a great new experience. Lucky to have worked with so many amazing people on this!
What materials were used for it?
Cane, bamboo, masking tape, duct tape, wire, zip ties, hot glue, LEDs, fabric and paint.
How many people helped create it? And how long did it take?
The wonderful Steve Elliott was my 2IC during the build. He travels the world making processional folk art with community groups – find his “Iota Little Giants” online! We also had a revolving crew of 15 volunteers who joined us in later stages to help finish everything – they were legendary. Total creation time was approximately 3 weeks. Special mention to the wonderful Fleur Bourgeois who contributed in so many crucial ways while she also managed the AUM visual artists and more!
Were there any special challenges in the creation?
We didn’t quite have time to make the last two tentacles so technically our wheke is a Hexapus! Perhaps it escaped a dramatic battle with a shark, or some other wild story!
The lights used, how many and how did you get them all programmed?
David Eversfield programmed the lights. The LEDs number in the thousands – 34 strings in total.
12 x 10m lengths to form the ‘suckers’, plus 20 x 21m strings of baubles in the mantle and arms, and 2 special sparkle strings for the eyes!
Anyone you want to mention who inspired or taught you techniques used in it?
I was gratefully equipped with knowledge from making lanterns with the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival. Filipa Crofskey, Rohana Weaver, and Xanthe Naylor are among my teachers & peers there. Michele Beevors, my art school mentor, inspired my love of big sculpture; and my time on the Kiwiburn Arts Committee which nurtured that love!
How did you feel about the final result? Were you aware how many people raved about the creation?
Oh my gosh, yes! I am so beyond proud, and so grateful to the teams and vision, it was absolutely magical and life-giving. A highlight of my year. Immersive artwork is a huge part of the AUM experience, and I could feel a deep connection as I witnessed people’s reactions to it. The most special was hearing from parents how blown away and inspired their kids were, and that they would have lifelong memories of the Rainbow Octopus!
What are you up to? Are you a full time artist?
I’m a full-time multimedia artist and musician living with chronic illness and disabilities in Ōtepoti Dunedin. I make and do lots of things! I’m also halfway through a PG.Dip in Creative Art Therapy at Whitecliffe – currently on a sabbatical to focus on my health, expand my capacity, and deepen my life practices.
Abby’s work can be found on Instagram: @abbyfleurartmusic
and Facebook: Abby Fleur Art + Music
