Whangarei Primary pupils drape their school in Hundertwasser colours

Whangarei Primary School students showing Hundertwasser artwork on the inside wall with assistant principal Gareth Haman. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Hundertwasser is in every artwork undertaken by Whangarei Primary School students who have put them on their classrooms and outside surrounds.

After transforming an inside wall along Bank St with Hundertwasser painting during their annual Festival of Arts last week , the focus now shifts on doing the same on the outside wall.

Assistant principal Gareth Haman said completion of the outside wall would be evidence that Whangarei was the Hundertwasser art mecca of the world.

"All students, depending on what they learn, have created something on the Hundertwasser theme. It's good to bring out that creativity especially when we have such focus on literacy in schools.

"Everyone is exploring art in different forms but Hundertwasser is the common theme. It creates nice warmth and vibe around the school."

Mr Haman said the artwork started in Term 3 about five weeks ago and some students have been staying after school to complete their paintings.

Apart from the school walls and footpaths, wood carvings and balloons painted in Hundertwasser colours are hanging from trees.

On September 21, students across all year groups shared their art pieces and performances as hundreds of parents, family members and Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai helped paint the inside wall during the art festival.

A bicycle donated by an anonymous donor was also painted in Hundertwasser colours and was permanently cemented to the ground by the painted wall.

"Based on the designs and thoughts of the students and teachers, it is now a colourful and powerful reminder of who we are as a community and the values we believe in together."

Students presented permanent art projects that included a large dragon, mosaic pieces and classic children stories.

"These art pieces were a term in the making as students explored different elements of the arts across all year levels, from looking at how stories inform and enrich our lives through legends like Maui, to looking at how art communicates a message or a performance piece can evoke an emotional response," Mr Haman said.