Bayleys Te Ramaroa is proud to once again feature an installation from the STEAMS students working alongside the teachers at Ministry of Inspiration. This is the third year that the Nelson team at MOI have been part of the festival; Pixel Tubes has been developed by the students through a term-long exploration of colour, shadow, and reflection.
Pixel Art invites the viewer to step into a dazzling world of light, colour, and reflection with Pixel Tubes. Rolls of reflective Mylar bundled inside a tube create a mesmerizing pixelated view of the world around you. The STEAMS students have explored how light behaves, discovered colour mixing from different light sources, and experienced the science of reflection in a creative and playful way.
Amy Cornelisen, MOI Chief Inspiration Officer loves being involved in Bayleys Te Ramaroa. She says it gives us the opportunity to activate in the real world one of the core aims of MOI - To show every young person that they have the potential to achieve great things, and to grow their confidence and belief so that they can take advantage of the endless opportunities the future holds.
“It is very heartwarming and inspirational what the students can achieve when given a platform to be creative, with an end goal in sight such as being featured in the light festival.” Amy says. A key part of this experience is that the young people have the opportunity to contribute to a free community event like Bayleys Te Ramaroa for the whole of Whakatu to enjoy. Events such as this provide a space where youth are not just spectators — they are creators, innovators, and active contributors to the community.
Throughout the Pixel Art process, MOI STEAMS students shared ideas, experimented with designs, and supported each other to turn their imagination into reality. What started as a simple spark of inspiration grew into innovative ways for students to express themselves and make the artwork their own.
Cornelisen is enthusiastic about what they have produced. “ Watching the project grow over the past few weeks has been so inspiring - these children are so creative and so innovative!”. For the students, seeing their ideas come to life and shared with the wider public builds confidence, connection and a sense of belonging, whilst showcasing their creativity, curiosity, and innovation.
Pixel Tubes will be on display in the Rutherford Hotel and features contributions from over 60 students. The audience is invited have a play and make your own Pixel Art tube to explore the other exhibits. MOI would also like to thank The Buzz Tahunanui for their support in helping this project come to life.
