Artistic makeover for second inner city wall

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

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 the previous public toilet building 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.

"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."

Council chief executive office manager Craig Tiriana said the cost of the mural would be $7000 including installation, which was about half the price of any other pieces that were considered for the project.