Falling Water by Fred Graham

For 44 years this piece of work was prominent on the outside of the Alpha Motel in Palmerston North City before disappearing into storage. After 6 years and significant restoration work it is now back on display outside the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre on Main Street. Fred Graham was a pioneer of the 1960s and 1970s art movement that blended Māori and European traditions. Falling Water was particularly significant as it was his first water sculpture and his first publicly displayed work in metal. 

Te Manawa, Palmerston North City Council and Palmerston North Public Sculpture Trust worked together to acquire Falling Water for the city. Following extensive restoration it was unveiled on 2 July 2021.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: FRED GRAHAM

Fred Graham ONZM is a New Zealand artist and educator recognised as a pioneer in the contemporary Māori art movement. In 2018 he was the recipient of an Icon Award from the Arts Foundation of New Zealand, limited to 20 living art-makers.

Source: Falling Water - Palmerston North Public Sculpture Trust