No one wanted the Christchurch Art Gallery ever again to have to revert to its Civil Defence role but regrettably this has happened. Once again art will have given way to whiteboards, plans and office desks following a second large and vicious earthquake assaulting the city. The irony of Justin Paton’s De-Building exhibition being on show probably won’t be lost on the new occupiers. It’s clear from early reports that there are many fatalities and that buildings which managed to hold together during the last earthquake have been devastated by this one. Along with our concern and support for the city, a special thought for the arts community with our hope that everyone has made it through ok.
Image: Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker speaking from Civil Defense Headquarters in the Christchurch Art Gallery
