This is probably the most famous mural in Nelson, at Wakefield Quay. Aotearoa is the indigenous Maori name for New Zealand, meaning, "Land of Long White Cloud".Meg's Map says: "Aotearoa" was painted by mural artist Chris Finlayson in 1984. Scenery, window structure and clouds are set into a carved timber panel. The pattern at the top reflects a tuku tuku design found in marae meeting houses and found in Celtic, African and Middle Eastern art forms. The building used to be the city electricity facility and is still commonly known as the 'Powerhouse".
You may have noticed the angle is almost identical any time this mural is shot. That's because this is at the side of one of Nelson's busiest stretch of road, and there isn't much room to play with, unless you have an exceptional insurance policy.
Coming out of Nelson, this mural is just before The Boat Shed (right about the letter "l" of (Wakefield Quay" io the map); opposite of The Cut, before Tahunanui Beach. It's almost worth hiring/renting a convertible two-seater just to drive top down this stretch, according to my brother.
I love the effect of this mural!
ReplyDeleteWonderful mural!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this. I'm growing to enjoy murals more and more too. "Land of Long White Cloud" sure sounds like a neat place.
ReplyDeleteFascinating...beautiful mural too...and even MORE beautiful "shed" shot! GREAT WORK BEN! =)
ReplyDeleteInteresting how we put our selves in danger just to get a photograph. good shot.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool! I like very much this first cloud "inside" the room :)
ReplyDeleteSo nice! This painting makes me think to Magritte...
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful mural!
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely.
ReplyDeletefor a minute I thought it was a real window.
ReplyDeleteI took photos of this mural for so many times. But somehow, I couldn't get any results to my satisfaction. I took many in the afternoon or evening lights. This one was taken in the morning and finally I got something I can show you. I'm glad you like this image.
ReplyDeleteCheers everyone!
As alice, i see a bit of Magritte in this artwork.Really beautiful inside-outside!...with a cloud running away...
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Teo Mocchi.
ReplyDeleteThat mural is incredible. I draws you in. I love the 3-D effect and the history shown (understood per your commentary).
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't mind me sharing -- it reminds me of this mural. The 3-D effect, I guess it is. :) http://www.blueskyart.com/articles-id-4100.htm
Thanks Lessie,
ReplyDeleteThe mural you mentioned here is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
I have loved and admired this mural ever since it was painted...and even while it was bieng painted!
ReplyDeleteThe 3D thing gets me every time I drive passed!
I went and had a look at the "blueskyart" mural - all I can say is WOW!
KB, This one is definitely my favourite in Nelson.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I didn't post this sooner when we started the blog last year. I did come back several times until I get one that I can satisfy. It's a great mural.