Under the sea but on land

Supporters and sponsors celebrated the unveiling of Koryu Aoshima’s latest public mural ‘‘Fishing...
Supporters and sponsors celebrated the unveiling of Koryu Aoshima’s latest public mural ‘‘Fishing’’ at Livingstonia Park, Taieri Mouth on Sunday. PHOTO: NICK BROOK
Spectacular new marine scenes now wrap around Livingstonia Park’s nerve centre, thanks to the Taieri Mouth community and street artist Koryu Aoshima.

Mr Aoshima’s public art is a growing feature in Dunedin, and his new, over 20m, beach-front mural named Fishing unrolls local fisher-folk from seals to spoonbills and the people in between.

The roller and spray-paint work of two weeks is the latest step in the Taieri Mouth Amenities Society’s project to beautify Livingstonia Park.

"The society started planning the mural a bit before Christmas," project co-ordinator Jade Coster said.

"We have about $15,000 for upgrading the whole park, and the mural has been about $8000."

She thanked everybody who had supported the project from its council and financial sponsors to individuals donating time and expertise.

"This is a lovely location to work, surrounded by nature," Japanese-born Mr Aoshima said.

"The encouragement and friendly feedback from the all the local people was great motivation. You don’t get that when you work alone in a studio."

The society made the most of his presence by organising a youth-art competition with awards, judged on the day by Mr Aoshima and others.

The competition was held in the newly painted building whose best known community function is control-centre for the annual Taieri Mouth Coastal Classic mountain bike and trail run.