So, we have an apology to make – July kind of slipped by and we didn’t get our monthly list of favourites completed on time (can you see the shame on our face? We look like a dog who got into the rubbish). But don’t fear, that means this month you get a two-for-one! We even made it a little bit bigger, so it is kind of an end of winter blockbuster. Grab some popcorn, slurp your soda and check out the things we loved from the last 8 weeks!
The Giant Cans Get a Refresh
The Giant Cans on St Asaph Street are designed to be split between free wall spaces (the three cans to the east) and more permanent works (the three cans to the south-west). To keep things fresh, the three ‘permanent’ cans are re-painted routinely and the latest transformation was a unique collaboration between Jacob Yikes, Ikarus and Jessie Rawcliffe – a sprawling tribute to Dragonball creator Akira Toriyama. Mixing familiar landscapes and characters with the artists’ signature styles, it has to be said that the work is “over 9000!”…
Ghstie Goes Nostalgic…
We have loved finding Ghstie’s three-eyed tributes to the cartoons of our past – whether Slimer from Ghostbusters or Casey Kelp from the Snorks, we are suckers for a trip down memory lane…
FSA Catch the Train
With their signature flair in full monochrome effect, the FSA’s crew’s tribute to subway trains and graffiti is both a bold addition to the Manchester Street bus stops and a wink to the subversive culture…
Rest in Peace…
Just like Ghstie’s slaps, Dark Ballad’s reflective stickers bring some nostalgic heat with the stencilled image of wrestling legend The Undertaker, fitting for an artist with a love of life’s darker side!
Drows’ Connection
We were proud to support the production of Drows’ striking Connection on Colombo Street – an activation of a long vacant site by the Christchurch City Council. Alongside the landscaping of the area, Drows’ colourful hoarding work speaks of his, and by extension the viewers’, connection to place – from the maunga to the awa and beyond, Connection is at once personal and universal…
A Summery New Brighton Jam…
It is always good to stumble upon a surprise, and when we noticed some activity across the carpark on a quick trip to New Brighton, we had to investigate… We quickly found members of the DTR crew, Dcypher, Ikarus and Drows, along with Jessie Rawcliffe refreshing a popular wall, a good reminder of Summer’s impending arrival and the increased activity that is sure to come with the longer days…
Just Eating my Iskender…
We love a little story and wandering down Hereford Lane, we couldn’t help but be struck by the poetic tone of Kaepe’s waxy statement. We love our city, but that doesn’t mean it is perfect, and sometimes, it is the margins that remind us…
Monti in New Brighton…
We love Monti Masiu’s paintings, celebrations of his Tongan heritage in striking compositions that are both traditional and contemporary. His work on a temporary hoarding in New Brighton is awash in warm brown, ochre and orange tones, brightening up an otherwise stolid setting…
Jacob Yikes at Smiths City
Jacob Yikes is one of Ōtautahi’s most iconic urban artists, with his instantly recognisable style and aesthetic, so it was fitting that he adorn the iconic Smiths City premises on Colombo Street, a local company that has been in the location since 1918, familiar to generations of Cantabrians. We love the vibrant tones and serene scene…
teethlikescrewdrivers’ Doodle Session
We were stoked to launch our new Doodle Session video series – where we chat to artists while they draw – exploring their process and their creative mindsets. First up is teethlikescrewdrivers, who ran through a range of his fixations, from chairs and pencils to words and self-portraits – a lovely, chaotic, creative ramble! Stay tuned for episode two – it will be live by the time you read this!
They were our highlights for July and August – let us know what you think!