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Showing posts from September, 2024

Oulu’s New Mural: A Tribute to Nature and Culture in Preparation for 2026

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As Oulu (Finland) prepares for its role as the European Capital of Culture in 2026, the city has been enriched with a stunning new mural that celebrates its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Created by renowned artist Fabio Petani , this mural has become a symbolic representation of Oulu’s landscape, its flora, and its deep-rooted connection to nature and tradition. More than just an aesthetic addition, the mural stands as a lasting tribute to the city’s past, present, and future. Selected from a competitive pool of 500 artists, Fabio Petani was tasked with capturing the essence of Oulu in a single piece of art. Central to his mural is the depiction of the Oulujoki River, a vital waterway that flows through the heart of the city. With its flowing currents, the river is portrayed as a life-giving force, symbolizing Oulu’s connection to nature, its historical significance, and its evolving identity. Petani’s vision of the river links the city’s past and future, while also reflectin

The Artistic Vision of Ed Hick: A Journey from Darkness to Light

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At the 10th edition of Waterford Walls in Ireland, English street artist Ed Hicks unveiled a striking untitled piece that captured the attention of festival-goers and locals alike. His mural, painted in one of the neighborhoods of Waterford, offers a visual and philosophical journey that resonates deeply with both the space it occupies and the viewers it engages. When I had the chance to speak with Hicks about his work, he shared insights that illuminated not only his process but also the layers of meaning embedded within the mural. For Hicks, painting is more than just applying colors to a wall—it is a narrative of transformation, both for the artist and the observer. Hicks’ creative process revolves around a guiding principle: painting “dark to light.” He begins with a dark vignette, building up through layers to gradually introduce light. This technique gives his work a sense of progression, a visual journey that echoes a movement from chaos to clarity. “You gotta have a system

The Artistic Vision of Ed Hick: A Journey from Darkness to Light

Image
At the 10th edition of Waterford Walls in Ireland, English street artist Ed Hicks unveiled a striking untitled piece that captured the attention of festival-goers and locals alike. His mural, painted in one of the neighborhoods of Waterford, offers a visual and philosophical journey that resonates deeply with both the space it occupies and the viewers it engages. When I had the chance to speak with Hicks about his work, he shared insights that illuminated not only his process but also the layers of meaning embedded within the mural. For Hicks, painting is more than just applying colors to a wall—it is a narrative of transformation, both for the artist and the observer. Hicks’ creative process revolves around a guiding principle: painting “dark to light.” He begins with a dark vignette, building up through layers to gradually introduce light. This technique gives his work a sense of progression, a visual journey that echoes a movement from chaos to clarity. “You gotta have a system

SNIK Returns to Manchester with Stunning Mural

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The vibrant Northern Quarter in Manchester has welcomed a new monumental addition to its iconic street art scene, thanks to the return of SNIK , the renowned street art duo. Their latest creation, a 20-meter (65ft) mural titled “Still Life”, now towers on the side of the Northern Quarter Car Park on Tib Street, adding another masterpiece to the city’s urban landscape. SNIK, known for their breathtaking blend of stencil and freehand techniques, has been a prominent name in the street art world for years. Their return to Manchester marks a significant moment, as they build on their artistic legacy established with their first mural, “Serenity”, which has graced the walls near Stevenson Square since 2018. “Serenity” has become a beloved landmark, symbolizing the city’s growing appreciation for large-scale street art, and SNIK’s latest piece, “Still Life,” is set to leave a similar lasting impact. The title of the mural, “Still Life,” evokes thoughts of tranquility and reflection, invit

Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada’s “Opening Horizons” Land Art: A Powerful Message of Accessibility

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Renowned international artist Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada has once again captured the world’s attention with his monumental land art piece titled “Opening Horizons.” Unveiled in Villablino, Spain, this impressive artwork was created in collaboration with the Villablino City Council as part of the Caminos Naturales initiative, aiming to promote accessibility and inclusivity in natural spaces. The piece, which features an athlete in a wheelchair, stretches across a massive area of land and can only be fully appreciated from an aerial view. Its grand unveiling was timed to coincide with the 14th stage of La Vuelta 2024 , the prestigious cycling race, between Villafranca del Bierzo and Villablino. As cyclists raced across the landscape, the colossal image emerged, offering a striking contrast to the natural surroundings. More than just a visual spectacle, “Opening Horizons” delivers a message that is both timely and necessary: the need to ensure that all forest and natural areas are accessib

Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada’s “Opening Horizons” Land Art: A Powerful Message of Accessibility

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Renowned international artist Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada has once again captured the world’s attention with his monumental land art piece titled “Opening Horizons.” Unveiled in Villablino, Spain, this impressive artwork was created in collaboration with the Villablino City Council as part of the Caminos Naturales initiative, aiming to promote accessibility and inclusivity in natural spaces. The piece, which features an athlete in a wheelchair, stretches across a massive area of land and can only be fully appreciated from an aerial view. Its grand unveiling was timed to coincide with the 14th stage of La Vuelta 2024 , the prestigious cycling race, between Villafranca del Bierzo and Villablino. As cyclists raced across the landscape, the colossal image emerged, offering a striking contrast to the natural surroundings. More than just a visual spectacle, “Opening Horizons” delivers a message that is both timely and necessary: the need to ensure that all forest and natural areas are accessib

Ernest Zacharevic’s Mural “The Ugly Duckling” Unveiled in Aalborg, Denmark

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Aalborg  (Denmark) has recently become home to a new mural by Lithuanian-born artist Ernest Zacharevic , known for his evocative street art that often features children interacting with their environments. The mural, titled “The Ugly Duckling,” is a testament to Zacharevic’s ability to blend cultural motifs with contemporary urban settings, and it has been curated by the renowned Kirk Gallery . Zacharevic, who currently resides in Penang, Malaysia, brought his global perspective to Aalborg after a long journey from Southeast Asia. Before diving into his work, the artist spent a week exploring Aalborg, immersing himself in the local culture and surroundings. This thoughtful approach is evident in the mural, which captures the essence of both Danish heritage and Zacharevic’s unique artistic style. The mural, prominently displayed above a parking space in downtown Aalborg, features a large origami swan made from an old Danish banknote from 1952. This banknote is significant as it bears