A beautiful and meaningful new mural has been unveiled in the Te Ngakau Civic Square, in Wellington last week, and it tells us the story of loss, hope and unity. Created together by artist Ruth Robertson-Taylor, the Muslim community and Vodafone New Zealand Foundation it remembers and reflects on the tragedy that happened in Christchurch on 15 March 2019, strongly touching all the people living in Aotearoa.
Words: Weronika Elantkowska
The vision of the artwork was not only to acknowledge the grief and sorrow but also present a vision and hope for a more unified, and diverse New Zealand as well as emphasize a culture of inclusion. Its idea, according to the Foundation, is to take positive action from this tragedy and transform it into “kindness and generosity that sits at the core of Aotearoa.”
The colourful mural presents itself geometric features that pay tribute to traditional and modern Islamic art as well as arches that reflect on architecture and characteristics. The arches, according to the authors relate also to mosques, bridging understanding and crossing boundaries.
Another part of the artwork features beautiful and multiply flowers, hand-carved by local Syrian furniture maker Mahmoud Shagouri, who wanted to honour and remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy. As the flowers come from different countries, the meaning is clear – Islam is a diverse global faith, also practised in New Zealand.
Finally, one of the most beautiful things about this mural is that it has connected many amazing people together who contributed to the design. Having a common vision of bringing peace, love and acceptance of diversity in our beautiful country was the most important goal of the project. And, the quote on the mural summarises perfectly the idea of the artwork: “Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
To find out more about the initiative, watch the VIDEO.
To know more about the Vodafone Foundation and their other initiatives, click HERE.