At the entrance to Phantom Creek Estates winery, visitors are awe-struck at two female figures, each seven metres tall, winged and poised to take flight but tethered to the earth by a slender waterfall of coated bronze.
This is Pro Terra et Natura — For Earth and Nature — by Chinese contemporary artist Wu Ching Ru.
It’s one of six such installations located around the world, which represents two spirits of nature, mother and daughter seeking a sanctuary to inhabit, and their delicate connection to our planet.
Next month, the internationally acclaimed artist — who is of aboriginal Taiwanese lineage — will visit Canada and the winery for the first time since the sculptures were installed in 2019.
She’s looking forward to seeing them here, where she feels they are well grounded against the natural, breathtaking backdrop of the Black Sage Bench.
From September 17 to 19, Wu will be in residence at the winery, drawing inspiration from its surroundings to create 20 individual collectable wine-box art pieces.
Winery visitors can see her at work, and on September 18, take part in a special dinner to celebrate the passion for art, cultural diversity, fine wines and food, and the exciting new opportunities envisioned by the artist and the brand, for which Wu will also design and install a floral arrangement to mark this exclusive collaboration.
It’s a partnership first established when Pro Terra et Natura was chosen by Phantom Creek Estates to illustrate its steadfast appreciation and commitment to both art and the environment, and it won’t end here.
Although Wu’s first visit was delayed by the pandemic, it’s only the start of an ongoing collaborative vision to develop an art program and cultural exchange within the international art community.
Tickets
The exclusive artist dinner with Wu Ching Ru at Phantom Creek Estates takes place Monday, September 18 at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $245 per person plus tax and gratuity.
To book, please visit Tock.
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