Mural Masterpieces – Okaihau College

Location:
'Whakapaipai' - the new quiet area, developed by the Enviro Group at Okaihau College, Northland.

Team:
Tyson Manuel (artist), students - Mihaka Lemon, Zena Calvert, Rueben Hendrickson, Lusieli Tuiwai-Pomare, teachers providing guidance - Lynne Couling-Brown, Karen Deeming, Barry Birchal.

Accessible to public:
Yes.

Mural theme:
A celebration of our diversity and cultures at Okaihau College.

Background to mural creation:
Tyson was asked by the Okaihau College Enviro Group to design and produce a mural to enhance the quiet area - 'Whakapaipai' - and to also acknowledge the involvement of the special needs students.

The mural is based on important aspects of Tyson's life at Okaihau College. He chose a cubist style because he had been learning that style in his level 2 Art class. The central feature of the mural is the symbol for deaf awareness week. The Maori patterns are symbolic of Tyso's cultural heritage. The Puriri berries are part of the school logo and the words Harmony, Truth and Effort are part of the school's motto. Rangimarie is the Special Needs department building. There are also images of sporting motifs, which reflect Tyson's interests.

Tyson designed this mural in his Graphics class, with minimal input from teachers. He spent approximately four weeks with the assistance of other members of the team creating the finished mural.