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Putahi Park Mural:
“The Pathway”

X May 19, 2022

Putahi Park Mural concept:
“The Pathway”

Client: Whangarei District Council

This artwork pays homage to geographical, cultural and historical aspects of the local area.

The mural site is in close proximity to the Hātea River which flows from Whāngarei Falls down into the harbour
like a pathway to the sea – where fresh and salt water meet. The palette and textured drips used throughout the
artwork are inspired by these bodies of water, as is the hero Kahawai and ribbons of seaweed.

When the ancestor Ihenga arrived in Whāngarei, he and his group set up camp at the Tauranga Waka
landing (where the Town Basin is now situated). It is here that they roasted and ate Pupurangi (Kauri Snails).
These native snail shells are repeated along the left hand side of the mural, while a Kete (traditional Māori basket)
adorns the right – a homage to the gathering of kai and kaimoana.

Lastly, a rare white Pīwakawaka (previously spotted in the Whāngarei district) swoops across the top
of the artwork, leaving an impression of growth and flight – a tribute to the evolution of the Town Basin
and waterfront – a vibrant and inclusive place for local community.

Click here for more process shots!

A big thank you to @sweats___ for your technical and physical support!

MoneyShot

process 1 process 2 process 3

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My Story

As an aerosol and stencil artist with a fine art degree, Flox has been making her mark on the inner cityscape of Auckland since 2003.

Her trademark native birds, ferns and flowers are a celebration of Aotearoa’s environmental taonga. Using distinctly vibrant and confident colour on a scale combined with delicacy they have magically transformed grey walls into vibrant depictions of the natural world.

Flox swiftly expanded her practice into prints, publications, murals, graphic design, live painting, projects and workshops for both schools and the wider public. She has been involved in numerous collaborations, charity work and both group and solo exhibitions.

Her accessible narratives have broadened the appeal and shaped her into one of New Zealand’s most recognised contemporary artists.

In recent years Flox has focused on refining new ideas, exploring other cultures and pushing her own artistic boundaries. This resulted in a three-month Artist Residency in Taiwan and a journey to Udaipur in India, to expand her international audiences.

Seen everywhere from Berlin, Hong Kong, New York, Taiwan, India and the US, Flox continues spreading her wings and making her presence felt across public spaces and homes worldwide.

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Flox Portrait