A popular mural in Dunedin, New Zealand, titled ‘Love is in the Air’, has been painted over, much to the surprise of its creator, Polish artist Natalia Rak. The artwork, which was painted on the side of a Bond Street building in 2015, has been replaced by a blank blue wall. Rak expressed disappointment over the decision but acknowledged that public murals have a limited lifespan due to paint fading over time.
The Dunedin Street Art Charitable Trust, which oversees the city’s street art, stated that the mural was removed as part of wall repair works. The building owners are reportedly interested in hosting another mural, and the Trust is working with them to explore options.
Rak, who has fond memories of her time in Dunedin, expressed her willingness to return and create a new mural if given the opportunity. The ‘Love is in the Air’ mural was part of a wider network of street art in the city center, curated by the Trust into a street art trail.
The Dunedin City Council clarified that it did not commission the mural and that such artworks are temporary, with ownership lying with the building owners.
Sue Dovey, a former resident who championed the artwork, hopes it will be repainted. Dovey, who lived near the mural, said it was a well-known piece that was often photographed by passersby. She also shared the backstory of the mural, which depicted a boy and a girl and was a commentary on a local man’s objection to the painting.
Dovey noted that the area, known as the Warehouse Precinct, has transformed into a trendy café area filled with street art since the council started approving such artworks. She hopes that the mural will be replaced, as it is an important part of Dunedin’s history.
