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Controversial artwork of Jacinda Ardern ready to tower over Melbourne street

A controversial mural of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hugging a Muslim woman painted on a silo in Melbourne is nearing completion.

The mural depicts Ms Ardern embracing the woman in the wake of attacks on two Christchurch mosques earlier this year.

Renowned street artist Loretta Lizzio offered to donate her time “to paint an image of unity, an image of hope” on the Tinning Street silos, which make up part of the Brunswick skyline in Melbourne’s north.

A mural of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hugging a Muslim woman in Christchurch is nearing completion on the Tinning Street silos in Melbourne.
The mural of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hugging a Muslim woman after the Christchurch attacks. It's nearly finished. Source: 7News

It appears as though the mural is nearly completed.

But not everyone is thrilled with it. Almost 15,000 people have signed a petition against having the mural painted.

Petition organiser Antonio Giuliani told 7News the mural has “nothing to do with Australia or Melbourne”.

An artist's depiction on what the finished Jacinda Ardern mural should look like on the Tinning Street silos in Melbourne.
An artist's depiction on what the finished mural should look like. Source: GoFundMe/ Message of peace and unity

However, it’s been approved by council and by the silo owner who’s Muslim.

Lizzio told the network the mural “celebrates a moment of unity and compassion”.

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