Deep Sea Escape

Inspired by research into the Mesopelagic — or “Twilight” — zone (200–1,000 metres below the ocean’s surface), this mural draws from a realm of rare beauty, where bioluminescent creatures glow in near darkness.

At its centre is a Mermaid guardian, beckoning the deep-sea creatures to follow her away from the bottom trawling boats.

The work is layered with subtle references to Lyttelton’s history, hidden as visual easter eggs throughout the composition. The mermaid herself is inspired by Lyttelton local and tattoo artist McChesney-Kelly Adams, grounding this otherworldly narrative firmly within the community.