Public Works
Public Works
Commissioned by Christchurch City Council, this project transformed an underutilised urban site into a dynamic and engaging public half court. The surface mural is both a contemporary visual intervention and a demonstration of sustainable practice.
To meet the project's practical and environmental goals, I utilised a two-part water-based epoxy system typically used for tennis courts, working closely with the supplier to create a bespoke colour palette tailored to the site. A digital, grid-based design system enabled accurate planning and minimised material waste, ensuring both efficiency and precision in application.
Aesthetically, the work draws on the visual language of postmodern glitch art. Through distortion, fragmentation and repetition, the mural becomes a metaphor for the layered realities of urban life. The composition reflects the diversity of a city’s population, where identities, cultures and experiences intersect and overlap. More than surface decoration, the mural celebrates difference, resilience and shared space.
urban half court
Transforming urban spaces through bold colour, geometry, and form, Nathan’s public works connect people to place through contemporary abstraction and thoughtful design.
ANzac bridge under pass
This mural reimagines the Anzac Drive underpass as a vibrant visual gateway along the Ōtākaro Avon River corridor. Commissioned as part of Christchurch City Council’s City to Sea Pathway, a keystone project connecting the city centre to the coastal environment, the work transforms a transitional space into an engaging and welcoming landmark.
The design draws on both the natural and urban landscapes, combining bold, abstract forms with a colour palette inspired by sunrises, water reflections, and the earthy tones of autumn. Organic curves reflect the shapes of leaves and meandering riverbanks, while geometric elements reference the surrounding built environment, including city grids and architectural motifs.
Lighting extends the mural’s presence after dark. Soft floodlights enhance visibility and safety, while integrated neon elements trace the course of the Ōtākaro River, creating a glowing and immersive connection between the artwork and its setting.
The installation invites movement and reflection, encouraging people to engage with the space as they travel the pathway. It offers a playful and layered visual experience that celebrates the intersection of place, community, and environment.
Akaroa school
This large-scale ground mural transformed the central courtyard of Akaroa Area School into a vibrant, dynamic surface for play, gathering, and community spirit. Commissioned by the school in 2022, the project balanced bold design with careful planning: every line and colour was calculated through a grid system to maximise coverage, reduce waste, and respond to the site’s textured surface.
At more than 800 square metres, Polymorph is one of the most ambitious works in my public practice. The shifting geometric forms create a sense of movement and energy, while also offering open interpretation and interaction for students and visitors. Community engagement was central, from early conversations with the school to the excitement of watching the mural unfold across the grounds.
The result is both playful and purposeful, connecting contemporary urban abstraction with the rhythms of everyday school life, and standing as a testament to the power of art to transform shared spaces.
