Locals make their mark on kiwi trail

Published: 15 November 2024

Two local artists join 18 others in giving their creative touch to a flock of giant kiwi.

Kiwi Art Trail is an art initiative touring the country seeing 20 large kiwi sculptures pop up in city centres, including Napier, which hosts the Trail from 23 November.

The two Hawke’s Bay artists selected to take part are Mickey Espino and Isobel Loughran. The pair have been putting the finishing touches to their designs, ready to bring their vision to life along Napier’s coastline.

Rachel Haydon, General Manager of National Aquarium of New Zealand, which is involved in the project, explains the partnership helps New Zealand artists contribute to kiwi conservation while showcasing their work on a national platform.

“The Kiwi Art Trail is a vibrant celebration of art and conservation. It’s a free, family-friendly installation that brings an interactive experience to locals and visitors while raising awareness for kiwi conservation efforts,” says Rachel.

Following the tour, each sculpture will be auctioned, with proceeds going toward national and local kiwi conservation projects.

The Kiwi Art Trail is a partnership between Save the Kiwi, Gallagher Insurance New Zealand and the National Aquarium of New Zealand, with support from Napier City Council. 

For more information visit:  https://kiwiarttrail.nz/

MORE INFORMATION ON ARTISTS AND WORKS:

Mickey Espino
Sculpture name: Kiwi’s Golden Lines to Conservation

Sculpture bio: This Kintsugi-inspired kiwi symbolises healing and conservation. Just as Kintsugi repairs broken ceramics with gold, this artwork highlights efforts to restore and protect New Zealand's kiwi and wildlife. It acknowledges past damage while emphasising the importance of strengthening and preserving these species for the future.

Personal bio: Mickey Espino is a contemporary artist based in Hawke’s Bay who creates metaphorical abstractions inspired by the richness of human phenomenological experience. He uses the ancient art of Kintsugi throughout his art, as a metaphor for the idea that broken things can be made even more beautiful through their mending and teaching us to embrace the scars and imperfections in life. It is Mickey’s mission to share his gifts in both creating and healing. In fact, he maintains a dual career in both the arts and science by staying prolific in the visual art scene mainly in Hawke’s Bay, and also working in the Neurotherapy department at the hospital. Mickey is passionate about both creating art and making a difference in people’s lives through therapy.

Isobel Loughran

Sculpture name: Cape Kiwi

Sculpture bio: “Cape Kiwi” pays homage to an iconic Hawke's Bay landscape, Cape Kidnappers, which is also home to Cape Sanctuary, Aotearoa's largest privately-owned conservation project. This sculpture celebrates Hawke's Bay and the multitude of natural beauty it has to offer, especially the feeling of the ocean as it crashes towards land in the golden light of the sun. Isobel hopes “Cape Kiwi” sparks an appreciation for this beautiful pocket of Aotearoa and our stunning national bird, and that people are reminded of the ongoing efforts being made to protect kiwi and other native species.

Personal bio: Isobel has been passionate about painting since she was at school. After completing a degree in Creative Practice in 2018, she has continued to paint in various mediums, predominantly with oil paint. Recently, she has started to go back to her roots with acrylics and water colour. While she loves painting portraits, she has a huge appreciation for nature and often finds herself incorporating it into her work.

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