In the realm of art, there exists a profound ability to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and bring attention to pressing issues. The Parkin Drawing Prize, a prestigious national competition, recently received 500 entries, all vying for the chance to make a significant impact. Among the 86 selected works is “The Purple Suitcase,” a thought-provoking piece by Cam Munroe from Ōtaki. This artwork serves as a commemoration of Breanna Muriwai, a young woman who mysteriously vanished under troubling circumstances. Its purpose is to shed light on her disappearance and keep her story alive in the public consciousness.
“The Purple Suitcase” is an intriguing creation that captures attention with its unconventional medium—a bubble wrap bag found on Te Horo beach. With painstaking detail, Munroe encapsulates the essence of Breanna’s story. The centrepiece of the artwork is a depiction of a purple suitcase, a crucial item that remains missing and holds pivotal importance to the ongoing investigation. Through this artwork, Munroe seeks to not only raise awareness but also serve as a constant reminder of Breanna Muriwai’s unresolved fate.
Breanna Muriwai, at the tender age of 22, Breanna Muriwai was last seen on Sunday, August 28, 2022, on Te Horo Beach. Despite extensive efforts, she has yet to be located, and no arrests have been made. Investigators firmly believe that the two individuals who were with Breanna prior to her disappearance hold critical information that could unravel the mystery. As the search continues, “The Purple Suitcase” stands as a beacon of hope, drawing attention to the unresolved case and encouraging public involvement.
Encouraging artistic excellence, now in its 11th year, the Parkin Drawing Prize was established by arts patron Chris Parkin in 2012 to fill a void in New Zealand’s art world—a lack of a significant drawing award. The competition, in collaboration with the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, aims to promote excellence and innovation in drawing in all its forms. With a remarkable $25,000 grand prize and ten highly commended prizes of $500 each, the Parkin Drawing Prize serves as a catalyst for artists to explore new avenues of creativity.
In times of adversity, creativity flourishes, and the human spirit shines through. The sheer number of entries and the diverse range of mediums used in this year’s competition attest to the resilience and ingenuity of artists. Through their works, they demonstrate the power of art to transcend boundaries, create dialogue, and ignite change. As the winning submission is eagerly awaited, Auckland Art Gallery chief executive Kirsten Lacy will have the honour of announcing the chosen artwork at the grand opening of the Parkin Drawing Prize exhibition on August 2 at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington.
“The Purple Suitcase” and the Parkin Drawing Prize exemplify the profound impact art can have on society. Cam Munroe’s artwork serves as a poignant reminder of Breanna Muriwai’s disappearance, compelling us to confront the unresolved and seek answers. As the competition unfolds, it showcases the immense talent and resilience of New Zealand’s artistic community. Through their creations, artists play a vital role in fostering dialogue, promoting innovation, and challenging perceptions. Let us celebrate their contributions and recognize the potential of art to shape our collective consciousness and bring about positive change.
Art work by Cam Munroe
