This installation explores the Samoiloff effect—a visual phenomenon in which red, green, or blue light is projected onto yellow, cyan, or magenta imagery. As the coloured light interacts with its complementary tones, portions of the image alternately disappear and reappear, creating an optical illusion of movement and transformation.

I have chosen to paint a playground scene because playgrounds are inherently dynamic, busy environments filled with constant motion. This sense of movement makes them an ideal subject for showcasing the Samoiloff effect. Playgrounds can be found in communities throughout New Zealand and are accessible, joyful spaces—free places where we can take our tamariki to gather, play, and connect.

Artist Bio

Tania Akehurst is a visual artist and community arts advocate based in Galatea, Aotearoa New Zealand. Born in Gloucestershire, England in 1967, she emigrated to New Zealand as a child and grew up in a creative family of makers. Her artistic journey reflects a lifelong connection to the land, people, and stories of rural New Zealand.

Tania works part-time as both an artist and a farm business manager. Since establishing Tulip Rose Gallery in 2018, she has become known for her vibrant, often abstract works inspired by the surrounding landscape where native bush meets farmland.

Community engagement plays a central role in her practice. In 2021, she led The Collaborative Whakatāne Project, involving 15 local artists in a large-scale painting installation. Her 2022 exhibition Art That Moves You combined painting with augmented reality, blending traditional and digital storytelling.

Tania has been a finalist in several national and regional awards and is a regular contributor to Light Up Whakatāne. She is a member of Arts Whakatāne.