Thoughtful mural brings vibrancy to Pirimai community

Accomplished Napier artists, Vee Hoy, Dali and Ryan Edwards were inspired by local children for their latest art installation at Pirimai Park.

Two vibrant wall murals along with artwork on two court surfaces were created on the basketball courts in the heart of the park, as part of the Napier City Council’s Te Puawaitanga – Green Communities Together Project, which supports fresh, simple ideas that help Napier environments flourish.

Artist, Vee Hoy, says their goal was to do something community focussed, that children can connect with as well as being something fun and vibrant for the area.

Art installations, such as large-scale mural work like these ones, not only beautify an area but encourage and uplift communities,” Vee says.

“They create an atmosphere, bringing new life and visitors to otherwise forgotten areas, they actively reduce undesirable building vandalism and teach alternative job paths to youths.

“When we asked the locals what they wanted to see, the resounding response was that they wanted the local children to be represented in some way.

“We’ve incorporated games and a height chart where kids can add their own names in. We really wanted to encourage them to leave their own mark – especially with this stigma around graffiti, as it’s not often appreciated for the artform and potential career path that it can be for a lot of kids.

“That’s why there’s heaps of graffiti on those walls – when done as an artform and not facetiously, graffiti can do wonderful things that inspire children who don’t necessarily fit into the square box.”

From design to completion the artwork took approximately two months and has received nothing but wonderful feedback from the Pirimai community.

A member of the Pirimai Community Connect group says the murals “really brighten the place up”.

“They look bright and add some fun to the space.”

“They look lovely,” Another member added.

Having lived in many New Zealand cities throughout her life, Vee has lived in Napier for the past five years and says, “it’s definitely home”.

“There’s something very magical about Napier. It seems to just ooze creativity – I love it here.”  

18 November 2020

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