With changes to budgets, the Chorus Cabinet Art initiative that we have been involved in for several years is now ending.
The telecommunications company has decided to focus its sponsorship efforts in other areas. However, that hasn’t stopped the latest round of artistic works being completed for our community to enjoy.
Between Motueka and Tasman Village on SH60/The Coastal Highway, you’ll find a cabinet decorated by Julina Ismail with the title “Love”. Malaysian-born Julina says art has been a passion since she was young. She says this painting is about Love, in a way it’s a grieving painting. “As sad as it sounds, love is portrayed in this painting because no matter how difficult life can be, love will keep you together and strong. Love endures through sadness and happiness. However,
I’m more than happy for people to interpret this painting in their own way.”
In Wakefield, there’s a nosey cow worth checking out. Artist Darren Richardson has created a close-up amusing cow sticking its nose through the fence. ‘Nosey’ is situated near 3 Genia Drive, Wakefield. Darren says he took a photo of a cow sticking his nose through a fence years ago and had always planned to paint it one day. This Chorus communications box was the perfect opportunity for that.”
Waimea College student Emma Egan used the cabinet on Tait Street in Ruby Bay as her canvas to showcase little blue penguins with a work called “Love our little Blues.” She says we have a little blue penguin (kororā) sanctuary in our region. The purpose of this sanctuary is to preserve, protect and enhance our local population of little blue penguins. “My artwork will help spread awareness of the sanctuary’s work and bring some life and colour to the local community.”
Outside 51 Pitfure Road in Wakefield, you’ll find a piece of cabinet artwork by Goothbug. Goothbug says his work titled ‘Rākaunui’ reflects a day of the Māori lunar calendar (Maramataka) when the moon is full. “It’s a day of energy and clarity, a good day for planting and planning, but not so great for hunting eels and fishing.”
For a bit of bliss, you’ll find it on Alexander Bluff Road near Ngātīmoti. Thijs de Koning created ‘Blissfull Bluff’. The artwork depicts a little community of travellers congregating along the Motueka riverbank at Alexander Bluff Reserve. Tents are pitched and camper vans are carefully parked, doors are opened, dinners cooked, guitars are played, and books read. “Ahhh, bliss at the bluff. Where are you at?” Thijs offers an invitation, “Come and join us!”
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