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A twilight Buddha: Bringing tradition to life

07 Apr 2025

Sitting on Queen Street, a striking mural graces the walls of Indian eatery Oye Hoye, seamlessly blending cultural symbolism with bold, modern artistry. The artist behind this vibrant creation is an Italy-born artist who has been painting in New Zealand since 1999. With a background in cartooning and a career as a graphic designer, Luca Bempensante has dedicated much of his time to transforming walls into captivating visual stories. 

The inspiration for this mural came from the restaurant owner, who envisioned a serene Buddha seated under the Bodhi tree, a significant symbol in Indian tradition. Rather than opting for the conventional green tones often associated with nature, Luca chose a blue twilight setting to create a calming yet dynamic atmosphere that complements the restaurant's ambiance. 


Luca’s mural featuring the Buddha under the Bodhi Tree is painted in a range of vibrant hues, including, among others, Resene Poppy, Resene Supernova, Resene Turbo, Resene Rose Bud, Resene Delta Blue and Resene Retro.  

The mural features an extensive palette of Resene colours, each carefully selected to enhance the depth and vibrancy of the artwork. Resene Supernova and Resene Anzac add warmth, while shades like Resene West Side, Resene Energise and Resene Turbo bring bursts of rich orange. Deep reds, including Resene Poppy and Resene Pulse, contrast with lighter hues like Resene Sticky Fingers and Resene Rose Bud. 

Earthy tones play a crucial role in grounding the composition, with shades like Resene Burnt Crimson, Resene Dark Crimson, Resene Redwood, Resene Rebel and Resene Tall Poppy adding depth. Medium and lighter browns, including Resene Toffee, Resene Manhattan and Resene Spanish White, contribute to a harmonious balance. 

To capture the twilight theme, blues and greens take centre stage. Resene Ultramarine, Resene Subzero, Resene Delta Blue and Resene Point Break lend the mural its atmospheric depth, while Resene Dragon adds subtle grey accents. Resene Gordons Green, Resene Limerick and Resene Sublime introduce organic elements, complemented by the tranquil tones of Resene Blue Lagoon and Resene Retro. 


Luca next to this stunning mural at Oye Hoye in Auckland.

Luca’s journey into mural painting began in the most organic way – trading his talents for accommodation in backpacker hostels. Over the years, his work has expanded to private homes, businesses and restaurants, cementing his place in New Zealand’s street art and mural scene. While his full-time work as a graphic designer keeps the bills paid, Luca’s passion for mural painting remains at the heart of his artistic expression. 

With each brushstroke, he continues to bring walls to life, and this latest piece is no exception – a fusion of culture, tradition and contemporary artistry, wrapped in a twilight embrace of the most striking colours. 

See more of Luca’s work online: https://lucasart.co.nz/ 

Published: 07 Apr 2025