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Overview
This suburban wall shares several messages of love, solidarity and anti-racism 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 wall is interesting for its array of messaging and issues. Close inspection rewards further insight. For example, 'NZ IS Racist AF' is based on a comment to Dazed magazine by film director Taika Waititi that New Zealand is as 'racist as fuck. I mean, I think New Zealand is the best place on the planet, but it’s a racist place' (http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/39590/1/unknown-mortal-orchestra-ruban-nielson-taika-waititi-interview).
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.