"Russell Clark's spectacular composite mural, a modernist architectural relic, was created to decorate the foyer of the (now demolished) T & G Insurance Building in Ōtautahi / Christchurch. It was one of many murals by Clark, who was a painter, sculptor, illustrator and art school university lecturer.

"Against a variegated green background, juxtaposed raised amorphous and geometric shapes resemble fish, fishhooks and whakairo (carving) motifs. Clark has also used pieces of domestic crockery to make ceramic mosaics. Completing the arrangement are hand-worked amoeba-like forms in copper, pewter and brass. This mural reveals Clark's active engagement with Pacific forms and his keen sense of the 1950s moderne architectural moment."

- Text courtesy of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.

This work was on display at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū during 2020-2022 as part of the exhibition 'Te Wheke: Pathways Across Oceania'.

The T & G Insurance building at the cnr Hereford and Liverpool Streets was designed in 1926 by A&K Henderson with Alsop & Martin. In later years it was renamed as Kenton Chambers. Listed by Heritage New Zealand it was however demolished following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

See also:

• Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū collection

• 'Te Wheke: Pathways Across Oceania' 30 May 2020 – 3 July 2022, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū