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Artworks

Matt Liggins, The Real Pyramid Schemer, 2017

Matt Liggins

The Real Pyramid Schemer, 2017
Performance, on-the-spot "thought bubble" drawing inspired by conversations with participants
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The Real Pyramid Schemer is a performance installation incorporating two of the artists' previous works, The Real Pyramid Scheme and “Thought Bubble” drawings.   The working class pyramid, symbolised at the...
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The Real Pyramid Schemer is a performance installation incorporating two of the artists' previous works, The
Real Pyramid Scheme and “Thought Bubble” drawings.  

The working class pyramid, symbolised at the base of the pyramid schemer, highlights a myriad of social and economic issues, feelings of hopelessness and desolation compounded by Auckland's increasing high cost of living and low wages.

The designer enters the pyramid through a hidden door, unlocks and flips down the hinged mouth hatch transforming from sad to happy and creates free  “Thought Bubble” drawings for the public, designed to bring a smile to all.

Seated on a beer crate, the artist creates an on the spot thought bubble drawing inspired by the conversation with it's recipient. 

Construction - 1200x1200 base from inexpensive and sustainable materials, 5 sheets of 18mm plywood, CNC'd into 4 equal triangular walls and fixed with mitred edges.

Internally decorated with historical family portraits photographed at the Pyramids in Giza, it's neighbouring Spynx and a diagram of the pyramid of social classes from 5,000 years ago, the artist connects to the past drawing inspiration from the above.

A flag at the peak of the pyramid consists of a 25mm diameter steel post and an aluminium flag illuminating the "free happy art" signage.   

This is the artist's first installation project combining both his architectural and artistic practices, a space to inhabit, and an opportunity to create his artwork anonymously. When
uninhabited it works simply as a thought provoking sculpture symbolising the multitude at the base and the elite at the top.

The designer seek to bring together all New Zelanders, to create positivity and joy from simple concepts and to inspire reflection and change across a wide spectrum of social and
environmental issues.
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