A giant new work of art is about to appear on the side of Tauranga’s Farmlands store (Taurikura Drive). Created by award-winning artist Erika Pearce, it’s going to be the tenth Farmlands’ project HeART of The Community mural and the first one by a female artist!
HeART of The Community is a project that Farmlands started over two years ago. With the help of local artists the company is turning their key properties around the country, into living works of art. Each of the murals showcases different aspects of rural New Zealand and captures the local community’s spirit, history and environment. The giant scale of the paintings makes this cool idea even more outstanding!
focus is certainly delighted to announce that the largest mural so far is set to be painted in Tauranga by the first female artist participating in the project, Erika Pearce! Her works draw inspiration from the community and culture and acknowledge the role of women in the world. In 2018, for example, she had an exhibition I am Wahine with a series of powerful portraits that explored feminine beauty and strength in modern women. Erika also cares about the environment and, through her works, aims to inspire people to protect their coastlines and surrounding waters.
For this new work Erika has taken inspiration from Tauranga’s rich history of horticulture. Bay of Plenty is known as the kiwifruit and avocado capital of New Zealand and Erika will certainly make this name shine in her giant mural. ‘I was super excited to be invited to take part in this awesome project. I am really keen on the idea that I should ‘give back’ through my work and I love that I am getting the chance to engage with the Tauranga community,’ says Pearce.
By the way, it’s not the first time Erika has worked in Tauranga. Bay locals may have seen her mural at the Pacific Coast Lodge (432 Maunganui Road) and she’s also participated in the Street Prints Mauao Festival in 2015 and 2017.
The Mayor of Tauranga Greg Brownless says: ‘It’s wonderful that Farmlands has chosen Tauranga for its next HeART of The Community project. I’m looking forward to seeing how Erika Pearce reflects Tauranga’s long history of agriculture and horticulture in her mural. And I’m certain she’ll have a big gallery of locals watching her as she works throughout the week.’
She’s already started on the project at Farmlands’ Tauranga store (Taurikura Drive off State Highway 36) and should finish by 4th May. So make sure you go along and check it out this Saturday! From 10.30 am to 1.00 pm you’ll have a chance to meet Erika in person and enjoy a free BBQ.
Images: @erikapearce.artist