New Owen Dippie Mural

Photo Credit - Ashworthlane

Artist Owen Dippie has just completed a new mural at Arataki Community Centre in Mount Maunganui.

“I painted this mural of my friend as a symbol of the infinite love between a father and his son,” Owen says.

“This piece is also for everyone who has ever lost someone. As we look to them, they look to us. ‘Only in darkness can you see the stars.’ We love you Kereopa.”

The official title of the new work is “Te Wheturere”.

The mural depicts Owen’s friend Stu McDonald.

“For Stu, moko in particular the Matatūhua (facial moko) has been the central tool he has used to heal from the grief and trauma of losing his son to cancer eight years ago,” Owen says.

“While the tohu (symbols) on his moko are a reminder of his past grief and trauma, the moko also depicts his never-ending love for his son and provides a map guiding him on his journey forward. 

“Every year new lines are added or existing lines are deepened and the physical pain and spilling of blood are a healing release of the profound emotional pain held deep within the body.”

Te Wheturere ka rere i te po, ka tau mai i te ao.

I stretch my gaze towards the universe and watch for you my son, for every luminous celestial body that enters earth’s atmosphere is you illuminating the sky and sending me messages of hope in the falling stardust.