Te Ao Mārama by Jacob Chrisohoou, 2019

Te Ao Mārama, meaning ‘The World of Light’ was painted by Jacob Chrisohoou as part of the 2019 Whanganui Walls event. The artist introduced his artwork with a whakataukī (proverb):

"Tuku aroha ki mua
Tuku aroha ki muri
Kia tu te aroha o naianei.

Send love to the past
Send love to the future.
Be love now.”

Jacob’s message of kindness and love radiates through his portrait of a woman whose gaze is elevated just above the viewer, as if guided by a greater knowing.

The artist goes on to explain, “In times of uncertainty, the lightworkers must step forward. That is you. Bring your light into each moment, with each person, each day. With your children, your partner, your neighbour, your family, your friends, strangers, the cashier, the waiter, your team. Each fraction of loving energy you bring out into the world matters. It matters more than anything.

Take joy in being responsible for the energy you bring into every space you enter.

Conquer all moments with love. It’s contagious, intentionally pass it on".

Photo Credit Yoshi_Travel_Films