Corey Harbrow paints a clear picture on keeping our sea clean

14 Dec 2022

You might not ‘sea’ it at first, but Canterbury artist Corey Harbrow’s sea creature mural has a hidden message. The bright Resene colours may have helped him make these easily-recognisable creatures appeal to children, but hidden beneath are some subtle additions of rubbish floating in the waves.

Corey was one of ten artists from across the country who took out the top prize in the Keep NZ Beautiful and Resene Nature Mural Competition 2022. His new mural 'Keep NZ Beautiful' can be found in a seaside park near Waimairi Surf Lifesaving Club in Christchurch.

Corey’s honest environmental message has the fun-loving creatures swimming amongst pervading pollution, wearing a mask and goggles to help them survive.

“The mural is aimed at a younger demographic in the hope that seeing the friendly sea creatures, which they can relate to from storybooks or cartoons, should also get the best opportunity to live and thrive in their own environment,” says Corey.

"Older children and adults will more likely notice the floating rubbish, providing a reminder to be a bit more conscious about taking your rubbish away with you. Once our leftover rubbish is claimed by the ocean it's out of sight, out of mind - and it’s easy to forget that the beach and ocean is a habitat shared by many."

Corey’s gorgeous mural uses a large selection of Resene paint colours including pure red Resene Havoc and deep marine blue Resene Torea Bay.

Corey’s sea-inspired mural contains many bright colours chosen for their stand-out qualities. The mural uses Resene Havoc, Resene Adrenalin, Resene Half Splash, Resene Picton Blue, Resene Mariner, Resene Torea Bay, Resene Biloba Flower, Resene Dancing Girl and Resene White.

Published: 14 Dec 2022