Mike Heynes : Southcoast Developments

Red Rocks carpark, Owhiro Bay, September 26th-27th 2004

Mike Heynes’ installation Southcoast Developments brings kitsch and chaos to a desolate spot. By utilising the Art Box as a commercial display case for a mock residential development, Heynes brings incredulous outrage and then laughter mixed with relief, as we realise that the shonky model touting “12 exclusive units” could not possibly be genuine.

As Heynes says “upon close inspection, the developer begins to appear dodgy, perhaps he’s even a cowboy, as hinted at in the choice of font used for his logo. The model of the development is shoddy; a reconditioned dolls house is still visible through the bad paint job and balsa wood improvements. The landscaping is totally inappropriate for the surrounding environment and indicates that this is a stock model used for any location. Buyer beware!”

With Southcoast Developments Heynes plays on cynicism toward developers by suggesting that although the area is currently the entrance to a reserve, this environmental protection could be swept away by the whiff of profit. Heynes draws attention to the fact that the site is due for an upgrade and suggestions for the renovation of the area are being called for right now by the City Council.

Mike Heynes is a Wellington-based animator, installation and assemblage artist, whose work includes the production of action figures, toy and junk installations, and 3D animation viewed through 3D glasses. His work has been shown in varied venues around Wellington such as the Botanic gardens, Wellington Zoo and the City Gallery cinema and solo gallery shows including I just wanna wreck shit at Enjoy and Prepare for Disaster at Neut.