Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Artistic makeover for Rotorua's second inner city wall

Artistic makeover for second inner city wall

Another wall in Rotorua’s inner city will get a makeover this week with popular artist Jeremy Shirley returning to complete his second mural.

The 20m long wall on Pukuatua Street that is the eastern facing wall of McLeods Booksellers will become a traditional piece that brings colour and energy to the inner city.

“Urban areas are full of rectangles and hard lines, this piece creates curves and flow, something to soften the city area and create excitement with colour and energy,” he said.

“The works feature non-tapu decorative motifs namely niho taniwha (taniwha teeth) and rito rito (flax shoots) to bring a cultural flavour.

“The red line that flows through represents that life line, the geothermal activity that is central to Rotorua. The grey that extends is the iconic steam and the brown and green become the earth and foliage that surrounds us.

“Growing up in Whakatane I was always visiting my family here and I have always thought of Rotorua as having a strong culture and there are so many great artists around, especially those talented in the realism art that we see around the city.

“My pieces bring something different to Rotorua, more graphic and modern. It’s great to see such a wide range of art around the city,” he said.

Shirley completed the modern piece beside Quest Apartments on Hinemoa Street in 2014. Colin MacPhee the manager of Quest says that the mural next to the popular serviced apartments has “greatly enhanced the alleyway between Hinemoa and Eruera Streets.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“The mural creates a more positive environment for people walking or driving through, its presence has also eliminated the common occurrence of graffiti on the building it has been painted on.” he said.

The work, due to start today 3 May will take about five days to complete (weather permitting) and will be a great addition to the inner city for the 1100 of domestic and international visitors attending TRENZ, New Zealand’s largest trade show, being hosted here in Rotorua next week. Creative portfolio lead councillor Trevor Maxwell is impressed with how Rotorua is embracing public art.

“We are lucky to have a city that appreciates art in such a big way. The murals that feature in town already are a hit with Rotorua residents and visitors alike. Our 2030 goal of having a vibrant city heart is well on its way to being achieved.”

The Creative Portfolio aligns most strongly with four of Rotorua’s 2030 goals and priorities, (Vibrant City Heart, Business Innovation and Prosperity, A Resilient Community, Outstanding Places to Play).

The overarching vision of the portfolio is to build Rotorua's creative sector as both vibrant and sustainable.

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.