Whale Tales 2021

In early February we had the privilege of being 1 of 3 artists chosen to participate in the launch of 'Whale Tales 2021'. Held at the Auckland Art Gallery, the evening consisted of the host organisations sharing their connections & purpose for the fund-raising event & the presentation of the works which were painted onto large whale tails. Thank you to WWF, Wild in Art & ATEED for the invitation we can't wait to see everything come together, below is a little background taken from the ATEED website.

70 Tails, 70 tales, 70 artists, 10 weeks, 1 city, 1 mission!

A truly immersive experience celebrating Aotearoa, art, and marine conservation is coming to Auckland February 2021. Whale Tales is a public art trail exploring Tāmaki Makaurau and you’re invited!

Auckland’s streets, parks, and open spaces will be adorned with 70 individually designed, beautifully created whale tail sculptures for 10 weeks during the summer/autumn of 2021. This event is presented by WWF-New Zealand, Wild in Art and made possible through the support of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) on behalf of Auckland Council. Whale Tales is an opportunity for New Zealand’s artists, businesses, schools, community groups, and individuals to collaborate on a marine-themed public art installation, coinciding with the 36th America’s Cup, to capture the hearts of visitors and residents alike while also generating awareness and action for our ocean’s health.

Inspired by Hauraki Gulf resident- the Bryde’s Whale, these sculptures will each tell the tale of marine conservation, particularly of the magically diverse Hauraki Gulf. Bryde’s Whale are found in the coastal waters around the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana/Te Moana Nui a Toi. In New Zealand, Bryde’s Whale are endangered with only an estimated 140-250 remaining. They feed and rest close to the surface, making them vulnerable to ship strikes, noise pollution, reductions in habitat, climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, and other human activities in the ocean.

Photos - Brendon O'Hagen