The Artist and their Style:
The artist who made the art is called Brandon Warrell, who is also a local Christchurch artist. He’s known for his cartoonish character art and artwork of native birds on playgrounds and some swimming pools. The artwork was also inspired by his own love for the silver-eye bird and the kowhai tree. You can find the artwork on 107 Hereford Street, on the side of the Ibis Hotel.
The Legality and Controversy Around the Art:
The art is very widely viewed in a positive perspective. It was the public’s preferred choice of street art and it was called ‘another colorful and striking piece of street art….’. On the Councils Facebook page, the artwork has gotten more than 3000 likes.
Mr. Warrell’s was inspired to do this piece of art as he wanted to add New Zealand animals and nature into his artwork for a great future for Christchurch, with the silver eye and kowhai almost emerging from the rubble. The Council’s aim is to get more people to visit the centre by creating an attractive and welcoming environment.
The Meaning and Message Behind the Artwork
Although there isn’t a particular meaning behind the artwork itself, there is meaning behind some of the elements of the art. The silver-eye bird (also known as the wax-eye bird) with its Māori name ‘tauhou’ means ‘new arrival’. The kowhai plant is said to symbolise personal growth and to help people move on from the past with a renewed sense of adventure. Adding the plant may be to reassure those who were worried because of the 2011 earthquake that devastated Christchurch’s cathedral and infrastructure. (You can see the broken bricks in the corners of the art which may be an interpretation of the damage from the earthquake.
Websites:
– Rise from the Rubble Information
– Winning the prize and the public eye news
– Young artists bring colour to Hampshire Street