Te Whanganui -a-Tara artist Marcus McShane presents ‘Velocine’, an experimental public art activation pedalled through the city, showcasing an innovative and sustainable design practice.

On display over two nights in mid-November on Wellington’s Cuba Street, McShane’s art installation involves a cargo bicycle projecting an animation through two projectors onto buildings, creating a “stunning wave of sustainability produced sound and visuals”.

The batteries used to power the work will be charged by McShane’s cycling.

Velocine is an art activation that brings together his “innovation and environmentally friendly prowess”, he says.

The art activation’s animation and sound, provided by artists Briar Prastiti and Rebekah de Roo will be synchronised with the bicycle’s movement, creating the illusion that the artwork stands still while the bike moves across the “inner-city streets of Te Aro”.

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The artist, McShane, is one of the country’s most prolific designers, having produced over 500 theatre designs and installation artworks since 2005 and 22 awards spanning visual art and design.

Some of his work also includes the world’s first entirely zero-emission piece of touring theatre, followed by a self-powered artist studio entirely constructed from recycled and found materials, with artists having to pedal while working, (spinning recycled washing machine motors), to generate all the power they need.

McShane’s Velocine activation is deemed an ambitious and playful project to merge “the realms of technology, music, art and urban landscape”.

“The proposed artwork is a testament to the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving cultural scene and the champions of change who set out to transform,” McShane says.

He adds that he hopes this would turn Wellington’s cityscape into a canvas for local creativity.

Velocine will be showcased over the Cuba St precinct on November 23 and 25 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.