Under the sea but on land

Otago Daily Times

12-06-2025

Supporters and sponsors celebrated the unveiling of Koryu Aoshima's latest public mural ''Fishing'' at Livingstonia Park, Taieri Mouth on Sunday. PHOTO: NICK BROOK
Spectacular new marine scenes now wrap around Livingstonia Park's nerve centre, thanks to the Taieri Mouth community and street artist Koryu Aoshima.
Mr Aoshima's public art is a growing feature in Dunedin, and his new, over 20m, beach-front mural named Fishing unrolls local fisher-folk from seals to spoonbills and the people in between.
The roller and spray-paint work of two weeks is the latest step in the Taieri Mouth Amenities Society's project to beautify Livingstonia Park.
"The society started planning the mural a bit before Christmas," project co-ordinator Jade Coster said.
"We have about $15,000 for upgrading the whole park, and the mural has been about $8000."
She thanked everybody who had supported the project from its council and financial sponsors to individuals donating time and expertise.
"This is a lovely location to work, surrounded by nature," Japanese-born Mr Aoshima said.
"The encouragement and friendly feedback from the all the local people was great motivation. You don't get that when you work alone in a studio."
The society made the most of his presence by organising a youth-art competition with awards, judged on the day by Mr Aoshima and others.
The competition was held in the newly painted building whose best known community function is control-centre for the annual Taieri Mouth Coastal Classic mountain bike and trail run.