Wellington. It’s a personal favourite. The capital city is perfect for an urban weekend away, with it’s cool bars, vibrant street life and innumerable cafes for mornings after (personally, no trip to Wellington is complete without a breakfast burrito from Sweet Mother’s Kitchen). While Ōtautahi will always be home, a trip to Wellington always leaves me planning a return, looking for reasons to make my way back soon. The beauty of the city for me is that the main event (Wellington is a favourite gig venue personally) is supported so well by the city’s additional charms – I always take a day to simply wander, up and down Cuba Street, along the waterfront, up the hills, and in doing so, catch the urban art that marks its walls and alleys. From big murals by well-known local artists, to the array of smaller additions, Wellington’s urban art is always fun to explore and seems a good fit with the city’s lively profile and physical layout. From painted boats to schools of sharks, piles of skulls to bicycle rides, playful to meaningful, what follows is a postcard from Wellington’s streets!
Xoë Hall’s Bowie mural has become a much photographed icon in Wellington, to the point that the artist started a campaign to ensure artists were fairly acknowldeged for their work
BMD’s legacy can be found all over the city.
Including the massive anti-shark finning mural
While DSIDE’s work now extends from boats…
… to smaller additions.
DRYPNZ’s work is also prominent…
… with his stylisitic evolution evident.
Askew’s Rita Angus tribute mural is impressive
Sean Duffell’s work can be found around the city
While Cracked Ink makes a good pairing with Wellington’s own Garage Project
Fluro’s striking letter forms appear in a CBD side street
Burger Liquor not only takes care of your food and drink needs, but also features some rad art, by Los Angeles’ artist Steiner…
and our pal Chimp!
Out in Lower Hutt, a growing collection of murals includes work by the ‘Bird Gang’ Charles and Janine Williams (Phat1 and Lady Diva)
and Askew One.
But it isn’t just the obvious stuff. TOGO’s distinctive graffiti can be spotted in unexpected places…
and at different sizes
Alleys and doorways are busy…
HaHa’s robots can even be found if you look close enough.
T-WOOF
Bork! Bork!
Muchu 108’s radiant heart character
Gary Silipa’s piled skulls
Carrot Boy, DSIDE, Garyb Silipa, SMORE, VISAH and even UTAH and ETHER slaps
