item details
Overview
This retaining wall in Wellington suburb Mount Victoria features a mural of solidarity and love in the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks. The Masjid Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre were attacked by a heavily armed white supremacist during Friday prayer on 15 March 2019, killing 51 people and wounding 40 more (the last victim died in Christchurch Hospital on 2 May). The victims ranged from three years old to 78.
There was an instant outpouring of grief and outrage online and in streets throughout New Zealand and around the world, from hastily scrawled graffiti to delicate artworks. This mural was painted the night after the shoortings by owner Ross Teppert's son and mates. They decided to paint 'Give nothing to racsim / We love our Muslim Whānau' on their striking sky blue wall.
Such images and messaging are often seen in the wake of mass violence. The work of addressing and challenging racism, Islamophobia and white supremacy in our history and everyday life continues.