Sara Hughes has been commissioned by the Uptown Business Association to revitalise her 2017 mural Magma in Uptown Auckland City. The 512sqm mural is one of the largest in the country, with Hughes describing it as an abstract “volcanic scape”, influenced by the history and geography of the area – not far from Maungawhau Mount Eden.
“The new artwork titled Magma 2, is also based on what lies below the earth's surface, the bubbling molten rock, containing suspended crystals and volcanic gases… I wanted to capture the movement and power of this invisible force, ever present deep down yet not something we think about as we go about our daily life.”
For Hughes, the main feature of the mural is the rough texture of the wall itself. Using spray paint and with the help of three assistants, Hughes has created many veiled layers of paint to build up a rich surface. What results is a brightly coloured vivid landmark that has become synonymous with Uptown.
The mural was completed on 17 January 2025 after an intense 10 days of painting.
Find Magma 2 at 230-250 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland.
