Colourful construction
27 Jun 2016, Community & Sponsorship, Featured
Featuring 23 colours and spanning more than 200 metres, ‘bon voyage’ is a stunning collaboration between arts and industry that will serve as a welcome sight for train passengers journeying to and from Christchurch for years to come
PlaceMakers Riccarton owner-operator Grant Close commissioned the 205m-long mural through SCAPE Public Art, which worked with painter Rachael Dewhirst and Tobin Bain-Hogg of StreetSeen to help bring the vibrant piece to life.
Rachael designed and painted the artwork on canvas and Tobin transferred it – to scale –onto the wall.
A longtime patron of the arts, Grant supplied all of the materials used in bon voyage’s creation, including more than 200 litres of paint and 266 spray cans. He even employed his team to mix a number of bespoke colours so that Rachael’s vision wasn’t compromised.
Grant says he is very pleased with the finished product.
“I hope we’ve created a legacy public artwork for Christchurch during its revival that can be enjoyed by both the city’s residents and those who visit us.”
Fittingly, the mural is painted along the wall bordering the Riccarton store. Running parallel to a railway line, it’s designed to wish train passengers well on their journeys and incorporates elements of the city’s landscape that will be familiar to residents.
The work is Rachael’s second commission for SCAPE Public Art. She drew inspiration from time spent travelling in France and that, coupled with mural’s location, naturally led to the concept of journeying.
“In recognising the role of PlaceMakers in the rebuild, I believe it was right for the work to convey a sense of life, hope and vibrancy for the future,” says Rachael.
SCAPE Public Art director Deborah McCormick feels that the mural provides some much-needed vibrancy and optimism to a traditionally industrial area.
“We are thrilled PlaceMakers Riccarton commissioned the mural, which continues to build on Christchurch’s reputation, during this rebuilding period, as a world-class street and public art destination,” says Deborah. “It’s just fantastic to see businesses putting a priority on public art. We could not do what we do without the support of art lovers and supporters such as Grant. This is a real gift to our city.”
About SCAPE Public Art
Established 18 years ago, SCAPE Public Art is a trust dedicated to installing public art throughout the Garden City. Since its inception, the trust has completed more than 170 installations in central Christchurch – including 11 permanent legacy works.
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