We’re stoked to introduce you to Damen Dooms, whose photography totally captures the Kelston vibe and has given the pump track a serious new look! As a Kelstonian, Damen’s shots scream Kelston, loud and proud and Ahutoa’s patterns and colours bring everything together with smooth skills and wrap the pump track like a glove.
Welcome to the pop-up pump track!
For this project, Dominique Crawford (local project manager extraordinaire!) partnered with CRANK and AT who asked if Whau the People could locate a local artist who could take on the pump track and have it reflect Kelston through some public art.
It wasnt hard to find Damen, who many in Kelston probably already know. This was Damen’s first big art project since graduating with a Creative Practice degree last year and worked with Graphic Designer Ahutoa Leauga-Lanefale, who’s weaving of Damen’s photos through pattern colour and cool designs, gives the pump track a fresh look that’s all about Kelston’s energy.
We hope that Kelston see themselves reflected in this artwork and enjoy the pump track!
Photographer: Damen Dooms
Damen Dooms is a New Zealand born Samoan, raised in West Auckland. He is also a proud “Kelstonian.” Just like his family before him, Damen had attended Kelston Boys High School, and has a love for the community. He has recently completed a Bachelor of Creative Enterprise and found a passion for photography – I love capturing ‘life in snapshots’ as I understand the essence and importance of time.
Damen aspires to grow and develop in this field, showcasing life through a digital lens.
Damen is now open to taking on photography jobs, in particular he enjoys capturing events. Make sure to get in contact and enquire with Damen!
Graphic designer: Ahutoa Leauga-Lanefale
Ahutoa Leauga-Lanefale comes from a diverse background, blending Niuean, Tokelauan, Samoan, and Māori heritage. Early life saw Ahutoa raised by his village in Avondale, later traversing around Tāmaki Makaurau with his father, then clocking a brief stint in Australia. Eventually, Ahutoa moved back to Aotearoa and has found his home in Dargaville, NZ. He is currently a graphic designer and co-director of Hanga Studio Limited (Hanga), infusing his work with the rich influences of his upbringing and the surroundings he has experienced.
Ahutoa has worked on many projects within the Whau area and its surrounding organisations, make sure to get in contact with Ahu for all your Graphic Design needs.
