The next generation of artists have been inspired this week as contemporary artist Hayley King, better known as Flox, is creating a mural at Alexandra Primary School (APS).

The mural design was commissioned by APS junior team Te Pā Maioha (2023), led by Kylie Nixon. 

The mural was the end product of the ākonga (learner) inquiry based on "What came before us?"

Flox was on site for several days stencilling, spraying, painting and creating the art piece that features a Karearea (New Zealand falcon) and a moko moko (Otago skink).

The mural adorns a classroom block behind the main office, that was previously painted a plain green and can be seen by passers by from the surrounding streets.

Along with the two hero icons it features cherries, apricots, the Mata-Au (Clutha) River and spring blossom. 

The mural taking shape on Monday, February 19. PHOTO: Supplied 

The school showcased the mural with an open morning for whanau, shared morning tea and then a special celebration and waiata (song) in front of the new artwork yesterday. 

Student representative Grace (12), from the year eight Tuatara class, thanked Flox on behalf of the school. 

“[We] love that two of our native animals are on it,” Grace said. 

Flox and Grace in front of the mural. PHOTO: The Central App

Teacher Jayne Battrick thanked Tim Marshall, Gareth and Kelvin Nixon, Dave O’Connell, the Central Lakes Trust and Aotearoa Gaming Trust for making the mural possible. 

“[Flox] you have planted seeds this week and we are all looking forward to watching lots of artists bloom,” Jane said. 

Watch the student performance of Tutira Mai for Flox here (one minute long).

Flox said she anticipates having the mural completed in the next day or two.