Bright outlook for Christchurch's New Brighton

A wave of new artwork is transforming a section of New Brighton’s foreshore.

Josh O’Rourke’s stunning mural, Low Pressure High Pressure, has brought a splash of colour to the ramp wall overlooking the beachside basketball court south of the pier.

O’Rourke and fellow local artist Nathan Ingram are installing their work after winning the SCAPE Public Art Re:ACTIVATE 2018: New Brighton competition for emerging artists.

Ingram’s artwork, Forces, is being created on the basketball surface from next month.

Josh O’Rourke’s new mural in New Brighton.

O’Rourke says that the art project “seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to be a part of New Brighton’s growth over the coming years” and the feedback has been “very positive”.

“This is both my first outdoor work and painting of this scale, making for an especially interesting experience as it is in such a high-profile spot. So the feedback has been really encouraging,” he says.

The design of the seaside canvas “draws influence from the organic and repeating patterns of topographic weather maps”.

“I fell upon this design through surfing, where I find I am often looking at these patterns for an indication of good swells or favourable winds,” O’Rourke says.

“But these maps also have an impact on coastal areas, often affecting our experiences there – New Brighton being particularly notorious for its ‘howling north-easter’.

“As a ‘destination suburb’ these weather systems can also have a huge impact on the economic success or failure of the area.”

O’Rourke says that “living and growing up in New Brighton, you realise there is so much unrealised potential”.

“Part of what appeals to me about it is its low-key atmosphere, but I do feel strongly about wanting to see the community prosper,” he says.

O’Rourke feels a strong connection to the area, adding that he “would be hard-pressed to want to call anywhere else home”.

SCAPE Public Art Executive Director Deborah McCormick describes both works as “energising” while also supporting the area’s regeneration.

The wall mural is finished, with Ingram’s basketball court artwork completing the space’s transformation by March.

The competition was organised by SCAPE Public Art in conjunction with Development Christchurch Limited as part of an initiative to regenerate areas in New Brighton.