“A visual representation of beauty” is how artist Laken Whitecliffe described his record-breaking mural. This is the House Hunting Mural. It graces the 12-story Huia House in Grafton.
Have you ever stopped to consider the impact art can have on a city? This House Hunting Mural is a prime example. Laken Whitecliffe, a talented artist of Te Arawa descent, created this stunning piece. It is now the biggest mural in Aotearoa.
Let’s step back a moment. Imagine Auckland without this vibrant artwork. Whitecliffe wanted to transform Tāmaki Makaurau into an open-air art gallery. He felt frustrated by the lack of large-scale art projects.
The House Hunting Mural addresses this issue head-on. It transforms a simple building into a breathtaking canvas. The mural is not just decoration. It’s a statement about the importance of art in urban spaces.
Look closely at the imagery. You will see huia, tūī, and a pōhutukawa tree. Butterflies flutter around a sunset over the ocean. Whitecliffe intertwined Ranginui, Papatūānuku, Tangaroa, and Tāne Mahuta into the design. The House Hunting Mural tells a story of creation, life, and the beauty of New Zealand.
The story behind the mural is as inspiring as the artwork itself. It began with a charity auction for Mercy Hospice. This hospice cared for Whitecliffe’s father. He wanted to give back to the place that had provided comfort during a difficult time.
Whitecliffe offered to paint a mural on the biggest building available. A bidding war erupted. Ted Manson won by donating $22000. The building was chosen with patients and staff of Auckland Hospital in mind. The idea was to create a view that soothed and inspired.
COVID-19 caused delays. Whitecliffe returned to the project armed with house paint and brushes. He spent 34 days completing the mural. Working on three different swinging stages presented challenges. Aligning everything from different angles was difficult. But he persevered.
Whitecliffe often donates his talents to charities. These include Refugees As Survivors and the Breast Cancer Foundation. He finds giving back deeply fulfilling. He believes it makes a visual difference to the city.
Whitecliffe urges Auckland Council to train graffiti artists to paint murals. The council spends around $4 million each year removing graffiti. He believes this money could be used to cultivate artistic talent. He wants to create a system where public art can flourish.
The House Hunting Mural is more than just paint on a wall. It is a testament to the power of art. It enhances lives. It transforms urban landscapes. It reflects the beauty of Aotearoa. It also provides a lasting legacy for the city of Auckland. This mural stands as a beacon of creativity. It inspires us all to see the beauty in the world around us.