New Zealand

Art Gallery of New South Wales

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 Chong Ho Alex Yu

Dec 2023 - Jan 2024

In February 1931, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale devastated the town of Napier, New Zealand, claiming the lives of at least 250 people. Like the mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes, Napier underwent a remarkable recovery, marked by a fresh beginning. Between 1931 and 1933, a total of 111 new buildings emerged in the downtown area, drawing inspiration from the cutting-edge architectural trend of the time—Art Deco. This style is characterized by its linear structures and intricate ornamentation featuring geometric motifs such as chevrons and zigzags. Today, Napier proudly holds the title of the Art Deco Capital of the world. The last four photos on this page were captured at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney.