Rachael Dewhirst’s winning design for the inaugural Resene Art in the Streets SCAPE Christchurch Mural.
IMAGE: Rachael Dewhirst, Kaleidoscopic Nights, 2012. Image courtesy of SCAPE Public Art & and Rachael Dewhirst.
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Kaleidoscopic Nights was the inaugural winner of the Resene Art in the Streets mural competition, painted in the centre of what was the Re:START Container Mall. Created by Rachael Dewhirst – a then fourth year student of Fine Arts at Canterbury University – Kaleidoscopic Nights is a vibrant scheme installed on the wall of 99 Cashel Street.
Rachael’s design was inspired by her post-earthquake observations of parts of buildings, including their interiors, which were not exposed previously. The shapes inspired forms in the mural design, and she used playful and optimistic colours to add impact on what was a surrounding grey, empty landscape.
Talking about the work, Rachael says, “I am extremely excited and grateful to have this opportunity; especially to have an active part to play alongside SCAPE Public Art to bring life and vibrancy to our central city. As a Fine Arts student at Canterbury working towards an artistic career, it is a unique chance to showcase my work to the public.”
The Resene Art in the Streets SCAPE Christchurch Murals project was created as an extension of the SCAPE Public Art Development Workshops. The Workshops, run in 2012, were developed specifically for Christchurch-based visual art students, emerging and mid-career artists and aimed to cultivate the necessary skills to develop public art projects for Ōtautahi Christchurch. Artists who attended the workshops were encouraged to submit designs for consideration for the mural, with Rachael’s submission chosen amongst from the designs received.
Image & video credits:
Rachael Dewhirst, Kaleidoscopic Nights, 2012
© SCAPE Public Art & Rachael Dewhirst
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Rachael Dewhirst (born 1991 in Auckland, graduated with a BFA(Hons) from University of Canterbury, 2013).
In her painterly response to the subjects and narratives of her work, Rachael Dewhirst’s paintings touch upon both formal aspects of painting and the immediate experience of the world around her. Dewhirst works in a range of media, applying paint in impasto and translucent washes. Just as the application of paint to the canvas demonstrates a joy and pleasure in the act of painting, the subjects of Dewhirst’s work are equally characterized by their optimism. Dewhirst completed BFA Honours in Fine Arts in 2013 at the University of Canterbury, and has work in the collections of the James Wallace Trust and University of Canterbury.Shape
Major Sponsor: Resene
Sponsors: Upright Scaffolding, Creative Communities NZ, CPIT Trade Training Painters.
Support Sponsors: Nick Hunt, Canterbury Museum, AT Gough Property Management, Wilson Parking, SignTech
