Whakawhitinga: A mural of passage and connection at the Dunedin School of Art

07 Nov 2024

At Dunedin School of Art, artist Sarah Viault’s mural ‘Whakawhitinga’ brings to life a profound message of heritage, intergenerational connection and ecological balance. Using an array of vibrant Resene hues, Sarah has created a standout piece that captures the eye of everyone who walks in the door.  

Whakawhitinga, a Māori term meaning ‘transmissions’ or ‘passage,’ captures the mural’s purpose: to depict the transfer of knowledge, traditions and values across time, bridging generations, species and cultures.  

Through vivid imagery and symbolic representations, Sarah’s mural reflects the delicate balance of life, the significance of preserving biodiversity, and the enduring strength of cultural heritage. 

Central to the mural is the depiction of the Moa, the giant bird species that once roamed New Zealand’s landscapes but has been extinct for centuries. Sarah’s choice to illustrate the Moa’s skeleton, alongside its shadow representing the bird’s living form, symbolises collective memory – an evocative reminder of extinct species whose legacies continue to shape New Zealand’s identity. This poignant juxtaposition invites viewers to reflect on how stories of the past, even those of vanished species, remain woven into our present. 

Sarah’s mural is at the entrance to Dunedin School of Art and cannot be missed in the shades Resene Black White, Resene Bowman, Resene Fun Blue, Resene Festival, Resene Moon Yellow, Resene Tahiti Gold, Resene Havoc and Resene Monza.  

Perched upon the Moa’s skeletal frame is the Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho), a critically endangered species. In a symbolic journey, the Hoiho advances toward the Little Blue Penguin, a species now stabilised due to conservation efforts such as habitat restoration projects at Blue Penguins Pukekura. This transition illustrates a hopeful passage, a reminder of what is possible through dedicated conservation work. The movement of these species signifies the fragile yet resilient thread that links the past, present, and future of our biodiversity, inspiring us to protect what remains. 

At the mural’s core is the Koha, a Māori tradition symbolising a precious gift given in respect and reciprocity. In Whakawhitinga, the Moa and the Hoiho extend a Koru, a spiral shape inspired by the unfolding silver fern, a traditional Māori emblem of growth, new beginnings and peace. The Koru’s presence is a testament to nature’s resilience and a gentle call to action to maintain harmony between species. 

Layered throughout the mural are additional Māori and Polynesian motifs, reinforcing the interconnectedness between land, sea and sky. The Māori Ngaru, symbolising ocean waves, brings a sense of movement and the power of nature’s cycles. Cresting waves link land to ocean, a reminder of the forces that bind all elements of life. Above, Polynesian patterns representing the sky emphasise humanity’s connection with nature, and the cultural motifs invite viewers to appreciate the richness of these traditions. 

“The public have had a great reaction to Sarah’s mural,” says Steev Peyroux, Technical Teacher at Dunedin School of Art. “It is one of the first things you see as you come into the main entrance of the Art School and the scale of the mural has a lot of impact, reaching from the ground up to the first floor. I've heard comments like ‘It's a luscious celebration of colour and form’, ‘Bright and cheerful’, ‘Super beautiful’, ‘Magnifique’, ‘Wow’.” 

Whakawhitinga is not just a mural, it is an invitation to contemplate the delicate web of life that binds us to the natural world. In capturing the passage of time, the mural serves as a testament to resilience, balance and the imperative to protect our natural heritage.  

See more of Sarah’s work online.  

Published: 07 Nov 2024