Diminish and Ascend

Diminish and Ascend is an aluminum sculpture featuring a stairway that rises from Kiosk Lake in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The steps narrow progressively as they climb, creating a visual effect that makes the structure appear to stretch infinitely upward.

Artist David McCracken created the work for the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in Sydney in 2013. It was then relocated and permanently installed at this botanical garden location in 2016.

The installation reflects mathematical precision in art through calculated perspective techniques that generate the perception of an infinite ascending path.

The sculpture sits directly by Kiosk Lake and is easily accessible following the main pathways through the gardens. The area around it is flat and open, making it simple for visitors to approach from any direction.

Water birds like ducks and coots frequently use the structure as a perch and launching point while swimming. The aluminum surface requires regular cleaning because of the activity of these local birds.

GPS coordinates: -43.52910,172.62070

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28