ASKEW has been spending a bit of time back in New Zealand recently. As part of his return home he participated in Boon Festival in Hamilton – a city in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island. At Boon, he painted this mural – the centre piece a portrait of Te Ata.
Here’s some words from ASKEW about the whole experience:
“Coming home felt kind of abrupt at first – compared to NY or Paris it felt like I’d hit the breaks. It took a few days to transition back into the flow of things but over those few days in Hamilton there were several reminders of what makes this place beautiful. It really is the warmth of the people, the sincere generosity and manner in which people extend those qualities unconditionally. Time moves a little slower here so people have a sense of perspective on those things – that makes my day. From my friend @discount.taxivan dropping everything to hit the road with me, the locals and business owners that extended their hospitality, fed us, brought me a coffee – to the guy that popped out the building window and offered me a box of donuts. A real high point was meeting the family of Te Ata, who I painted, they came past to check it out. So happy to get the official approval, made my day!”
Photographs by Amanda Ratcliffe – amandashootsbands
