Magma 2 glows over Uptown
Photography: Blink Ltd
The Uptown Business Association engaged Sara Hughes to bring her special kind of public art magic to the Watercare reservoir on the corner of Mt Eden Rd and Symonds St. To paint the 512 sqm mural on an 8m high wall, it took a scissor lift and four people 10 days.

"The new artwork, titled Magma 2, is based on 'what lies below the earth's surface'; the bubbling molten rock containing suspended crystals and volcanic gases. We can see Maungawhau from the site and it is a reminder of what is below our feet.
I wanted to capture the movement and power of this invisible force, ever-present deep down, yet not something we think about as we go about our daily lives.
The wall is made from extremely rough concrete, which is why I decided to apply the paint using an airless sprayer. I love how the lumpy concrete catches the spray; those walking past and viewing the artwork up close will see many veiled layers of paint.
There is an emphasis on the corner where the two walls join that echoes the busy intersection. I wanted the artwork to be bright and bold as most people will view it driving past. I hope it adds a positive glow to their day.
As an artist, I am very interested in colour and how it affects people. While the new artwork uses similar colours to the previous version, I have used more yellow and orange in the new work to bring warmth and vitality to the Uptown district.
I have a deep interest in public art and the ways it can interact and engage with sites and add to people's experience of place.
Special thanks to Sara and her team of three assistants for bringing joy to Uptown. Thanks to Auckland Transport and Watercare for providing permission and allowing it to happen.
Website:
sarahughes.co.nz