Street Art Cities

Created in collaboration with researcher Spencer Virgin, this mural by Hawaiian artist Punky Aloha centres on ʻōpihi / ngākihi (limpets).

In many Pacific cultures, ʻōpihi represent family and symbolise maternal and familial bonds, resilience, and sustenance. They are an important food source and are also used for tools and ceremony. Embedded within their harvesting is the principle of taking only what you need, ensuring there will always be enough for future generations.

The mural depicts a larger-than-life maternal figure swimming through the ocean. She is anchored by whales, representing abundance, and adorned with ʻōpihi. Moving toward the shoreline, she carries ʻōpihi back to her people.

Beyond its cultural symbolism, the deeper message speaks to having a maternal relationship with land and ocean. Loving our surroundings as a mother would, with protectiveness and strength, and doing what we can to guide our earth toward abundance and growth.