Victoria University of Wellington will lose some of its mana by auctioning off a work of art by Don Binney created specifically for the university, according to a Wellington art writer.
The work – Mana Island – is up for auction after 50 years of being on display at the university. It was painted by Binney in 1971 as a thank you for the loan of a studio space while he was working as a guest lecturer at the campus.
The painting was a collaborative effort between Binney and the students who chipped in their own ideas and contributions to create the striking 2.6m x 3.6m artwork which shows Mana Island and the surrounding hills of the Porirua Harbour.
Wellington artist, poet and essayist Greg O'Brien told the Herald the work is unique.
"It's the only Binney work that could be considered a mural – it was inspired by his time in Mexico so it's big, bold, graphic and remarkable.