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Overview
This bollard on the corner of Taranaki Street and Courtenay Place in Wellington displays a drop of three posters by Phantom Billstickers to share messages of love and solidarity 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 poster drop features two of the most commonly seen images in the aftermath: Ruby Jones' illustration of two women, one with a hijab headscarf, comforting each other; and a heart motif with upraised clenched fists by A.R.O. Against racism Ōtautahi distributed by Peace Action Wellington.
Ruby Jones' illustration had wide popular reach across the world with many copies left by mourners at memorials, displayed in shop windows, and sometimes redrawn by other people. Jones observed that her work may have resonated with people because of its softness and vulnerability. 'Maybe it's just what people need right now - something really simple but loving, just showing human connection' (The Dominion Post, 23 March 2019, p. A3). 'A hug, although small, is a symbol of love, togetherness and warmth' (Woman's Day, 1 April 2019, p. 21).
The third image of flowers by animator Rachel Rowlands symbolises mourning - thousands of floral tributes and messages were laid outside mosques throughout New Zealand and at community gathering points.
Such public images and messaging are often seen in the wake of mass violence. They are touching and provide comfort, but are temporary. The work of addressing and challenging racism, Islamophobia and white supremacy in our history and everyday life continues.