New look for Clyde Quay School frontage

New look for Clyde Quay School frontage

Clyde Quay School has unveiled its new mural for the wall at the front of the school on Elizabeth Street, giving passers-by and bus passengers something new to look at.

The eight-panel mural by artist Ben Buchanan (Te Atiawa), is entitled ‘The Forest, Us, Ancestors, Tomorrow’. It draws on the history and whakapapa of the area and its diverse school community.

“The 218 ākonga put their stamp on the mural representing their language, culture, identity, along with their hopes and dreams for the future,” says Principal Liz Patara.

“It’s a testament to the creativity and wairua of our students and of the wider community.”

The mural, funded by Creative NZ, was formally unveiled to the community on 26 July with an event including waiata by the school students.

The Local spoke to Buchanan earlier in the year, as students took turns to join him painting the panels.  He said it was a balance to produce the art work he was commissioned to do, but also to collaborate with the students.

“As an artist, I want it to look like one of my works. 

“So, what is the best way of getting the children involved. We’re getting them involved in as much painting as possible - the undercoat, the colour blocking, things like that.

And there’s bits in the detailing as well, where they can say, I painted that star or I painted that eye on that bird.”

He also talked to the students about his work as an artist, and the process and the thinking involved.

“[We talk about] how it’s put together, what I’m thinking when I’m make it. And the idea, very importantly for me, that conversation – or korero – is collaboration. 

“If I’ve given any of children some kind of insight into my practice that’s a really positive thing.  And that talking about ideas and how we make artwork is just as important as the making of it.”

As Te Atiawa, Buchanan has a connection to Clyde Quay School, which used to be located nearer the waterfront.

“I whakapapa to Te Aro pa, so right where the school was when it was quite a different place, pre-colonisation, so we’ve been talking about those ideas. 

“The children have bene studying a lot about their whakapapa.  Obviously everyone has a whakapapa, whether Māori or European… we all have ancestors.

“So there’s been those ideas coming through and how to represent them.”

That thinking resulted in each school year represented by their favourite native ‘spirit’ animal such as the ruru, pepeketua, and karure. Identities of every student and staff member are woven into the artwork by way of personalised taonga.

It was the first time Buchanan had worked with children, and he said enjoyed the feedback and ideas he received.