A huge billboard measuring 3.6x10.8m consists of 15,552 hand painted images of 50x50mm. Like a mosaic it depicts a historic photo of Suzanne Aubert, the hills of Wellington and publicizes the website of the sisters of compassion.
Suzanne Aubert’s image has been created with the profiles of 5 sisters who currently work at the centre. It emphasizes the important role Suzanne plays in their lives while they continue the legacy of Suzanne Aubert.
The Wellington hills have been created from 2 images. The first is of a house (artist Vicky Dooley, participant at Art Compass) arranged in rows forming streets. The second is of a sister pushing the famous begging pram (artist Grace). Rows of this image can be seen in between the rows of houses. Together the images refer to the historic fact that the sisters of Compassion used to collect food in the city with the pram. A replica of this pram can be seen just inside the entrance of the Compassion Centre.
Another major feature on the south wall ‘the tree of compassion’ can be seen behind the carved entrance for the Soup Kitchen guests. Koru’s represent new growth on the tree and refer to the strong historical connection between the Sisters of Compassion and the Tangata Whenua. Suzanne Aubert came to New Zealand from France to work with the Maori people. She spoke fluent Maori, created the first Maori-English phrase book and learned about their traditional medicine. She worked in true partnership with the Tangata Whenua ( The People of the Land, or Maori People). The tree itself also refers to the Bohdi tree under which Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment.
Other images on the south wall relate to the Soup Kitchen, located on that side of the centre.
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