Mural Masterpieces - Rotorua Hospital

Location:
Rotorua Hospital, Surgical Unit, Te Arawa Street, Rotorua.

Team:
Debbi Thyne and Certificate in Art Class of 2003.

Accessible to public:
Yes.

Mural theme:
Embracing figures over Lake Rotorua.

Background to mural creation:
Rotorua hospital requested artwork incorporating imagery that reflects the Rotorua environment from Waiariki Institute of Technology to create a colourful focus at the entrance to the surgical ward.

Embracing figures are a distinctive feature in local carving imagery notably Hinemoa and Tutanekai and Pukaki's sons. Pukaki was a prominent chief of Puleroa Pa and is commemorated in a large gateway carving that once stood on the Hospital's present site. This carving depicts Pukaki chasing his embracing sons across his chest and is now housed in the Rotorua Council Administration building.

The embracing figures in this mural are stylised derivations, expressing the hospital's role of nurturing/care and affirming a sense of whanaungatanga and community. The predominant blues and greens are considered healing colours. Puhoro designs flank the figures symbolising agility and the restoration of vigour.