Nuart Aberdeen 2018 I

The second edition of Nuart Aberdeen has just wrapped for another year. The event which ran from the 12-14th April saw 12 internationally renowned artists head to the granite city and bring colour to the city in the form of large scale murals all whilst enjoying the uncharacteristically beautiful spring weather.

The theme of this years event – a Revolution of the Ordinary – was showcased through a series of events, a substantial talks program, exclusive movie screenings (the Obey and Bordalo II documentaries are a must) and workshops in local art centre – Peacocks visual arts.

First up was Sheffield based street artist Phlegm who must have felt right at home in the industrial surroundings of Aberdeen. The English artist worked on a trademark black and white mural in the city centre which was inspired by the city’s now closed Rubislaw quarry. The piece pays homage to the workers of said quarry and the granite buildings that line the streets of Aberdeen.

Argentinian artist Milu Correch was obviously feeling it as she painted two murals for the festival. Both walls chosen for Milu’s pieces seemed to fit almost too perfectly for her style and theme. The first wall was based on the story of a Scottish king who believed witches had cursed him and caused his ship to sink on his way back from Denmark. The second piece depicts two masked females with their backs to each other.

In a busy first couple of days English stencil masters Snik completed their piece close to Aberdeen’s famous harbour. The 17 layered stencil piece titled ‘hold fast hope’ is a reminder that even the small things can have a big effect on life. Seeing this piece up close is a real eye opener and a testament to the creative talent Snik have.

Aberdonian artist Elki was up next with another stencil piece. The 30 layer (30!!) stencil of a mixer and headphones was inspired by his love of music and had the two friends I saw it with highly confused about how he had created something with so much fine details using stencils alone.

London based ‘craftivist’ Carrie Reichardt was also in town and created some beautiful mosaic pieces that celebrated the past of Aberdonian women and also the Suffragettes movement in the early 20th century. These mosaic pieces clearly inspired by the stained glass windows still very prevalent in Aberdeen.

Dr D was prolific in putting his posters and street signs up all over the city. The English artist certainly got about with his work found in some very unexpected areas including outside the Trump golf course… well maybe that one isn’t that unexpected actually. Dr D’s is also known as the subvertiser and his street signs and posters are exactly that, advertising for the power of good and raising awareness of social and political issues. My personal favourite was a street sign in particularly affluent area of Aberdeen advertising a food bank… powerful thought provoking work.