Rachael Dewhirst’s bon voyage is a positive ‘well-wish’ for a journey and a true arts and industry collaboration.  

Image: Rachael Dewhirst, bon voyage, 2016. Image courtesy of SCAPE Public Art & Rachael Dewhirst.  

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

bon voyage, a new mural believed to be the longest in Aotearoa New Zealand, is visible both to locals and train–line passengers as they enter and depart Ōtautahi Christchurch. Approximately 205 metres long, the artwork has been created by Rachael Dewhirst from a commission by PlaceMakers Riccarton, and, appropriately, is painted (by Tobin Bain-Hogg of StreetSeen) on the border fence of the store’s site. As its title suggests, bon voyage is a positive ‘well-wish’ for a journey and a true arts and industry collaboration. bon voyage is Rachael’s second public artwork produced by SCAPE Public Art.  

Rachael Dewhirst’s inspiration for the design comes from an evolving and continued reflection on her journeys through France. With the mural location in mind, coupled with travel being forefront of the artist’s experience, the focus naturally led to a 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” she states. “The title of the work is just that, bon voyage, a hope for a safe and enjoyable journey whatever and wherever that might be.”

bon voyage encapsulates both the artist’s and commissioner’s desire to bestow well wishes to the city and people. Rachael has considered the experience of the mural from passing trains. The river is a reference to the Ōtākaro, the Avon River of Christchurch. It is used as a rhythmical pulse that weaves its way through the design like a heartbeat tying the different pieces together.  

Figurative silhouettes and block forms can be seen, some distinguishable as animals, boats, landscapes and parts of architectural forms. Other elements are more abstract with the intention of leaving the work open to interpretation and imagination of individual viewers. 

Image credits: 

Rachael Dewhirst,
bon voyage, 2016 

© SCAPE Public Art & Rachael Dewhirst