The Art of Remembrance 2023 - Sara Hughes

Sara Hughes has teamed up with Kāhui St David’s, Auckland to produce Colour Quartet, a spectacular new series of works on brass, a continuation of the Art of Remembrance project that began with the Max Gimblett ONZM Remembrance quatrefoils in 2015.

The series of specially commissioned works by artist Sara Hughes titled Colour Quartet (full series x 4 artworks) are now available to purchase. The silkscreen-on-brass artworks are inspired by nature, music the theme of hope for the future.

Each of the four artworks is titled Movement, 1-4. This reflects the sense of movement across each of the artworks: the artists hand gestures, the rising and falling of the shafts of light, and the ever-changing light captured by the golden surfaces. At times the artworks seem to dance on the brass, and at other times are quieter and deep.

Each Movement is connected through green beams of light, and golden gestural sweeps. Yet each has its own personality and unique qualities. Movement 1 is optimistic, joyful; Movement 2 is more demure with a beam of passionate red; Movement 3 captures the spirit of a warm winter’s day when the light is gentle; Movement 4 glows autumnal reds and oranges. The full quartet choreographs a spectrum of artistic experiences, like the movements of a symphony orchestra, a full choir, a jazz or string ensemble.

Sara Hughes says “The Colour Quartet artworks are inspired by what Kāhui St David’s stands for – remembrance, light-filled soaring architecture, and optimism for a musical future. The quartet is also like the four seasons - each artwork has its own energy. Music and art are a universal language – they both have the potential to uplift the human spirit.”

Proceeds will support the Kāhui St David’s illumination and development into a new cultural destination and centre for music for all.

To view the artworks,  visit during the viewing times of Tuesday 5 December until 14 December from 4:30pm to 7pm, or by appointment – contact Paul Baragwanath 021 521 574.

The artworks are also available to purchase online at www.kahuistdavids.nz.