New mural adorns Hastings Library

A new mural has been completed on facade of Hastings City Library, facing Eastbourne Street, featuring the work of Erika Pearce a multi-disciplined artist and designer born and raised in Auckland. Her passion for women, culture and nature inspires her vibrant artwork. It is one part of the larger Culture Canvas project being undertaken in Hastings City

Growing up in one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, Erika developed a deep respect for the cultures around her from a young age. She creates every piece with a lot of research, understanding and guidance. Her 2018 exhibition, I Am Wahine explored feminine beauty and strength in modern women. She firmly believes that every woman deserves to not only feel beautiful, but to also own their beauty. To be proud of who they are and where they come from. She works with real women to visually tell their stories.

Her artwork can be found across New Zealand as well as in United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Fiji, Indonesia and in the private homes of collectors around the world.

Erika’s artwork description -

This mural celebrates the cultural diversity of the Hastings community. Upon reflecting on the tragic events in Christchurch in early 2019, I wanted to create a piece of artwork that shows support and love. The two women represent the Māori and Muslim communities, both those who have resided upon this whenua for generations and those are new to this land. There is a feeling of peace, compassion and understanding shared between them.

The Ngaru pattern behind them represents the travel of the waka cutting through ocean waves. It symbolises the journey each person makes, both on their own, within their heritage and across the earth.

Within the design there is also a mix of Polynesian, Indian and Asian patterns to represent the diverse range of cultures with the community.

The blue represents the Pacific Ocean as well as peace and calm.

6 November 2019

Back to News