Tribute to Hundertwasser imagining our future

Tutukaka artist Carolyn Radford's recently completed mural has added another burst of glorious colour to Whangarei's central business district.

Carolyn’s new mural in Rathbone Street is attracting positive attention from around New Zealand. In the piece below Carolyn explains where the idea originated and how the elements of the mural relate to the land, people and natural harbour of  Whangarei.

Carolyn Radford writes:

I went to see Jenny at Hundertwasser HQ in James street to see if there was anything I could do to help. I had been feeling so disappointed and powerless about the way the Hundertwasser Wairoa Maori Arts Center project had been handled so far by our council representatives. Fortunately, the bright minds in Prosper Northland can see that that this is a gift and a once in a lifetime opportunity to Whangarei to put itself on the map with a major point of difference that will bring visitors, jobs, economic, cultural and spiritual benefits. I am so grateful that we have another opportunity at this and I have high hopes for the referendum.

I put down on the list that I could help with anything artistic. Jenny said ” Have you ever painted a mural?” ….”Yes”…from there we didn’t look back and I launched right away into a project with a very tight deadline..It was now or never!

Over the time that I have painted the mural I have put Hundertwasser under the microscope from his philosophy to his works of art and architectural transformation designs . All of it made me more passionate towards a positive outcome. His vision for Whangarei is unique and set to receive a huge audience that is already formed. Globally, the few building transformations commissioned to him show that there are many travelers who look for for these experiences that support humanity in its environment, culturally and artistically. This is Hundertvasser

His vision for Whangarei includes the Wairau Maori Arts center which will circulate the best of Maori art and design from Te Papa, an international Gallery which will circulate original works from the Hundertvasser Foundation in Vienna, educational rooms that can be used by the community and includes programs for children and beautiful public spaces. He designed the building to Identify us here in Whangarei with colour, vibrancy, ecology and community, incorporating a wonderful parkland that weaves up and over the building and that will give elevated views of our harbour and city.

There are many good and sound arguments for this project. Reports can be found on this project and the alternative on the yeswhangarei website or on the WDC websites. The Deloitte feasibility studies on the Hundertwasser and Harbourside projects, commissioned by the Whangarei District Council has been released to the public and updated this month. In the words of the Deloitt Feasability Study The building itself will be an artwork on a grand scale and will immediately become one of New Zealand’s few iconic buildings. It could have an impact on Whangarei which parallels the impact of the Guggenheim building in Bilbao, Spain and could put Whangarei on the international stage.

In my mind this is a new beginning for Whangarei. The building will be a National Treasure and have a responsibility to finaly take up this incredible gift – the very last building from Hundertwasser internationally revered Artist.

For my artwork “Tribute to Hundertwasser imagining our future” I have copied an painting of his as a base as it spoke to me about the land, people and natural harbour. Then I added local symbolism to celebrate our place here in Whangarei. Pohutukawa trees, a wreath of fern around the forehead that is a celebration of new birth. Koru designs which Hundertwasser adopted in so many of his artworks as in them he also saw the celebration of beginnings and endings.

The Moko is in respect for the Wairau Maori Arts Center and designed specifically for this project in consultation with Julie Paama-Pengelly who is a significant Maori Tattooist, an author and University Lecturer on Maori Arts and Visual Culture. The Moko represents the earth mother as a resting place or within the embrace of Papatuanuku for Hundertwassers work within a maori context.

I was really encouraged yesterday as we were installing and completing the mural that so many people stopped and make positive comment on the project. Like me they just could not understand the councilors decisions to vote against this project. So obvious was it that these particular councilors do not have the best interests of Whangarei and its people at heart. Luckily there are lots of people here who care and can see this as a great opportunity. Our voice will be heard at this referendum.

The mural is on the wall at the top (pedestrian mall) end of Rathbone Street, central Whangarei. Google Maps link here.