kiwirail project - swanson

Public Art Commission for KiwiRail, Swanson
I was commissioned by KiwiRail to design and execute a large-scale mural at their railway facility in Swanson. The artwork celebrates the site’s natural surroundings by incorporating local scenery, native flora, and fauna, creating a harmonious connection between the industrial environment and the vibrant ecosystem beyond.
The mural features several iconic local bird species, reflecting the rich birdlife that accompanied the project daily with their morning chorus from the adjacent greenery. This integration of native elements not only honours the unique character of the Swanson area but also transforms an everyday industrial space into a more inviting and visually engaging environment.
Public art of this nature plays a vital role in uplifting communities and enhancing built environments. By bringing colour, life, and narrative to functional spaces, such murals reduce visual monotony, foster a stronger sense of place, and encourage greater appreciation for local biodiversity. They humanise infrastructure, improve the aesthetic quality of the site for both workers and passers-by, and contribute to a more positive, vibrant atmosphere that supports wellbeing and community pride.
The creative process involved extensive mark-making, allowing expressive textures and organic layers that contrast beautifully with the clean, precise lines of the finished composition. This dynamic interplay between spontaneity and refinement added depth and visual interest to the final piece.
(Note: The project did present some practical challenges, such as the need to dry condensation from the metal surfaces each morning before painting could commence, highlighting the realities of working on outdoor industrial structures.)
This commission stands as a testament to the power of site-specific art to beautify, inspire, and strengthen the relationship between people, place, and nature.