Work on the mural commenced during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2020 and was finished at the end of September.
Nerys Ngaruhe has taken graffiti on the underpass wall and evolved it into a powerful whakatauki (proverb) for the year 2020. The graffiti cursed 2020 and included imagery of mushrooms, flowers and a ghost. The new mural acknowledges that it has been a tough year but it’s important to look forward.
Te wahine is a kaitiaki (guardian) for those passing through. Whatu mā (white pupils) express her spiritual status. The blue werewere-kokako (fungus) are a native species, and are featured on the $50 note.
Salisbury road underpass, reservoir creek. Located close to 142-140 Salusbury Road and Richmond Aquatic Centre.
Born in 1994 of Rongomaiwahine, Ngati Kahungunu, Rangitane and Ngai Tahu descent, Nerys grew up in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Cymru Wales, and is currently based around Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui, Aotearoa. Nerys graduated in 2015 from NMIT with a Certificate in Māori Visual Art and established A.G.E (Active Graffiti Evolvement) in early 2020. Nerys' work is inspired by culture, history, myths, legends and Dinosaurs.
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