Three years on from the Christchurch mosque shootings, an artwork which was given by the University of Otago (Christchurch) to the local Muslim community at a special remembrance service held two years ago, has been shared with staff and students.
It was done to mark the third anniversary of the terrorist attack on March 15, 2019, in which a lone gunman killed 51 people and injured 40 others at the Al Noor mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre.
"Three years on, we feel it’s appropriate we share this painting with our own university community.
“As well as the ongoing effects on those who were injured, traumatised and who lost loved ones and friends, we also wish to acknowledge the impact on our own staff and students.
"For some, this was their own community, and they allowed us to shed tears alongside them."
Prof Pitama said the artwork sent a message that the impacts of March 15, 2019, must never be forgotten.
"The crosses in Awhi Puketapu’s painting represent the tukutuku panels which in themselves tell a story. They symbolise Roimata Toroa, the large tears of an albatross, and the length of time those tears have been shed in our community."
The green background in the painting symbolised Te Waipounamu, the South Island and the green reflection the pounamu makes as the light glistens on it.
Green, in the Koran, is associated with paradise, and the artwork pays respect to those who lost their lives in a sacred place, at a sacred time.
The kowhai tree in the painting pays homage, from a New Zealand perspective, to the Tree of Immortality discussed in the Koran.
"The painting has been designed to be hung in three different ways, to represent the different opportunities available to the university and Muslim communities to support, lead and work alongside each other," she said.
