Untitled by Claire Foxton, 2019

Claire Foxton’s artwork was created as part of the inaugural Whanganui Walls street art event in 2019. Foxton is an Australian multidisciplinary artist and designer known for her vivid and vibrant use of colour and hyperrealistic portraits. With this portrait, Foxton seeks to honour the rich culture and history that runs deep in Whanganui by depicting two elders from local iwi, Kataraina Millin and her aunty; Josephine Takarangi-Firmin, affectionately known as Aunty Lai and Aunty Noti.

Foxton shared more about her vision for the artwork with her statement below.

“These strong Māori women are integral in the protection and passing down of knowledge and customs for their people and the wider community. Both women are very well respected and active in Whanganui, and it was a privilege to immortalise their legacy there"

In 2026, Kataraina (Aunty Lai) shared more about her connection to this mural.

“This mural is more than a work of art. It is a promise kept to Aunty Noti, a tribute to the people and places that raised us, and a reminder that our responsibilities do not end when we leave home. Like the Whanganui River, they continue to flow—connecting us to our tūpuna, our whānau and the generations still to come.”

Photo credit: Yoshi_travel_films