The series, which is entitled 'Support Our Sisters: The Art of Rugby' features seven bespoke, large scale street artworks in different locations across New Zealand.
From striking graphic street art to highly detailed illustrations, the art aims to encapsulate and celebrate women’s rugby, bringing the art and sporting worlds together.
World Rugby caught up with Erin Forsyth and Wongi Wilson, the artists behind two of the pieces.
Erin Forsyth
The first piece features a 24-metre mural in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland's central city. The piece features 12 characters which are connected.
Moving from right to left, the characters appear to be working together to score a try. The figures are larger than life, which was purposeful.
“I found it really interesting how these women who play rugby were so strong, but also so graceful in their movements even though they play a high impact sport,” Forsyth explained.
“I wanted the players to take up space, which is reflected in the size of the piece.
“Players are role models for young women, I wanted them to see that women can be strong, beautiful and energetic at the same time.”
She added: “I want the street art to create a new lens for people to consider”
When asked about the world of art and sport, Forsyth said: “There has been some crossover between arts and sports, because both are huge areas of interest for most of the public in New Zealand. What is so interesting is both are polarising; people are often interested in one or the other. When you bring them together, it is special.”
Forsyth is based in Mount Roskill, Auckland. She is well known within the art world, having recently completed a life-sized rhino mural at Auckland Zoo.
She often paints murals of native flora and fauna, but started off in the art world by running street art workshops in the early 2000s.
Wongi Wilson
Over in Christchurch, Wongi Wilson paid a special homage to Canterbury’s own Kendra Cocksedge with a mural at the Christchurch Town Hall.
The piece features the back of the Black Fern’s jersey emerging from a cloud accompanied by an explosion of colour. Kendra is holding a rugby ball to her right, and has her hair tied up.
“Kendra has burst through so many records it only felt right to combine her explosive nature and talent into one,” Wilson explained.
Wilson is of course referring to Cocksedge becoming the most capped Black Fern of all-time.
“I wanted to have her bursting out of a cloud, to reflect her powerful personality,” he added.
“Generally, the two worlds of art and sport are separate, but sometimes they cross paths in certain projects like this. It was a good opportunity and challenge to create amazing artwork which brings exposure to the women’s game.”
He continued: “I want people to look at the piece and get enthusiastic about everything that is happening. It’s a big thing for us in New Zealand to be hosting the Rugby World Cup, I hope this piece adds to the hype of the tournament.”
Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge said: “This nationwide artwork exhibition is so diverse and fun, I hope that it captures people's imaginations. As the anticipation builds, I’m proud to be part of a campaign to rally our nation behind the Rugby World Cup.
"Support for all the nations playing and our rugby sisterhood is vital to transmitting the power and opportunity of rugby to women and girls around the world.”
This will be the last Rugby World Cup for the Black Fern, as Kendra will be hanging up her jersey after the conclusion of the competition.
