- By Carlos Norton, AUT Journalism Student
A creative east Auckland school pupil has topped more than 1800 student applicants to have her work displayed alongside established and emerging New Zealand artists in a conservation art trail.
Abby Taylor, in year 9 at Pakuranga College, is the only student to have her artwork selected for the Kiwi Art Trail, where she’ll feature alongside well-known names such as Otis Frizzell and Flox.
The initiative is a collaboration between Gallagher Insurance and Save the Kiwi that aims to spread awareness and fundraise for kiwi conservation projects.
The collection of over 20 painted kiwi will tour four cities throughout the North Island, heading to Tauranga in October, and Napier in November with two final cities still to be announced.
Abby, 14, was encouraged by her art teacher at Pakuranga College, Calla Tung, to submit a design alongside 60 of her school peers.
With only one student design selected to feature, Abby knew her chances were slim but was confident in her work and approached the challenge positively.
Her winning design looks like an x-ray, emphasising the kiwi’s lack of working wings.
Her artwork was inspired by the Māori legend of how the kiwi became flightless and the sacrifice the bird made for the god of the forest, Tāne Mahuta, to protect young saplings from hungry insects.
Another symbol of sacrifice also features in Abby’s artwork in the form of the abbreviation INRI, which is often employed in artistic depictions of the crucifixion of Jesus.
When she learned her design would be shown across Aotearoa she was “surprised, but very happy”.
“Realising that I have the ability to do something like this is very cool,” she says.
“Now the challenge is to transfer my concept design onto a large 3D kiwi. There is some time pressure, but I know I have support.”
Tung is delighted with Abby’s efforts in the competition.
“Our students try many different subjects throughout the year, so I generally have a new class of year 9 students each term.
“That means I’m always focused on finding short-term projects that allow students to express themselves and get their work out into the world. The Kiwi Art Trail competition ticked all the boxes.
“Abby has produced a very thoughtful design, and it’s been a pleasure watching her move from concept to creation to completion. She should be very proud of her achievement.”
As well as her work being displayed across the country, Abby’s family will also receive a trip to the Gallagher Kiwi Burrow in Taupō.
After the five-month tour, Abby’s sculpture will be returned to Pakuranga College, while the remainder of the sculptures will be sold at auction to benefit kiwi conservation.
