Scorpio Books and Ghostcat invite you to join us for the celebration of Ghosts On Every Corner, the exhibition publication of the eponymous project. Four years of detailed research and meticulous work in miniature has gone into creating scale models of thirteen iconic pre-earthquake Christchurch buildings for Ghosts on Every Corner, a project by Ghostcat – also known as Ōtautahi scratch build artist Mike Beer. The collection is a labour of love and has been a journey of nostalgia and discovery, documented in this hardcover book that accompanies the exhibition.
All welcome, refreshments provided. Please send in your RSVP. There will be books for sale on the night for $145.00.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ghosts On Every Corner is independently published in collaboration with Blueprint. With text by Dr Reuben Woods, art historian and creative director of Watch This Space, and imagery by Christchurch photographer Dave Richards, Ghosts on Every Corner is a uniquely insightful record of monuments, memories, and moments of Christchurch history otherwise lost to the passages of time and seismic activity. The book features stunning photographs of the small scale recreations, which include Smiths Bookshop, Echo Records, Wizards Arcade, Java Café, the Cathedral Square Police Kiosk, and the Deans Ave Sales Yard building. As well as studio shots, Dave Richards photographed the miniature buildings in a selection of artful locations around the city, from train tracks at sunset to a moodily-lit underground supermarket car park.
Ghosts on Every Corner explores our recollections and connections with places and the past. This book needed to be tactile, to hold literal weight, and as an object it had to do justice to the combination of Ghostcat’s art and design, Dr Reuben Woods’ words, and Dave Richards’ photography, along with the stories of our community collected within its pages. This created a sense of responsibility to the artists, the city, and the reader, which was present in each decision made during the production process.
The official launch of both the book and exhibition was held as a special one-off exhibition preview in Christ Church Cathedral on Friday 21 March. Guided tours were held throughout the day to view Ghostcat’s buildings in the surroundings of the Cathedral, currently in a state of ongoing repair. The heavily reinforced walls and light-filled space served as a unique setting in which to contemplate the ephemeral.
Read more about the book here on Blueprint’s website:
https://www.blueprintmedia.co.nz/ghosts-on-every-corner
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ghostcat is an artist in Christchurch New Zealand. He has spent the last 4 years making scratch built iconic buildings that used to exist here in Christchurch pre earthquake. The project has been a labour of love to the city.
Dr Reuben Woods is an art historian, writer and curator. His PhD thesis explored graffiti and street art within post-earthquake Christchurch. He also serves as creative director and lead tour guide for Watch This Space.
Dave Richards had his first work experience as a photographer at the age of fifteen for a local newspaper. What was originally a two week learning opportunity has spanned into a lasting and highly successful career. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand – Dave thrives on collaborating with others and pushing the envelope to create truly outstanding work. Specialising in portraiture, fashion, and commercial – Dave has had the pleasure of working with names such as U2, Coca-Cola, Walt Disney and Sony.
Also check out other Arts events in Christchurch, Exhibitions in Christchurch, Literary Art events in Christchurch.
