3 October 2011

New Zealand’s fresh take on celebrating Street Art

Taupō is set to break its’ conservative mould this Labour Weekend, when sixteen of New Zealand’s leading street artists descend on the Central North Island town.

Graffiato is a unique and dynamic street art festival, providing artists with an abundance of blank walls and a weekend to create vibrant and colourful permanent artworks.

Curated by Cut Collective member, Ross Liew, Graffiato is a new festival delivered by Erupt Events, Taupō’s Arts Trust, who also deliver the nationally renowned biennial ‘Erupt Lake Taupō Festival’.

“Graffiato is going to permanently change the face of street art in New Zealand,” said Mr Liew. “For some time now, street art and graffiti has been gaining an ever-increasing profile across the world. While certain names have cut through and now register for many within middle New Zealand, our own country’s practitioners have often been left overlooked. Graffiato will change that.”

“Street art is more than decoration,” continues Mr Liew. “It is not surprising that the compulsion that drives artists to work with such a challenging site also affects the tone and content of their work. It takes passion to deal with the unpredictable nature of what you face when making art out in the streets. Public scrutiny, the rain, the wind, the unpredictable surfaces are just part of the challenge. If an artist is going to endure this then it makes sense that their work reflects the passion that drives them outside in the first place.”

An eclectic mix of established and emerging artists has been selected by Mr Liew to participate at Graffiato.

“Our guest artists have exhibited and painted all over the world, and with a number of naturalized Kiwi’s amongst them, it will bring a truly international flavour to Taupō,” said Mr Liew. “We have artists from Russia, North America, Columbia, South Africa and New Zealand who each have their own distinctive style, and Graffiato is the first time such a high calibre group of artists have been invited to work on a single project, with a focus firmly and foremost on the art.”

Erupt Events General Manager, Kylie Hawker has worked with Taupō business and property owners to secure the artwork sites, which are primarily in and around the Central Business District.

“Graffiato will transform the public spaces of Taupō and leave an indelible mark on the town,” said Ms Hawker. “It is going to provide a great experience for both the artists to come together on a town-wide collaboration and for the public to witness it unfold right in front of them.”

“Our artists will be painting over Labour Weekend and spectators can watch the works evolve over the duration of the weekend,” said Ms Hawker. “You will get to see the artists for what they are; passionate and dedicated members of our communities, who contribute freely their time and talent to beautify our public spaces.”

In addition to the numerous permanent artwork sites around the Taupō CBD, Graffiato also includes the delivery of a free workshop for local emerging artists.

“We wanted to really showcase the talents of our guest artists,” said Ms Hawker, “and provide our young people with an inspirational and aspirational opportunity to work alongside New Zealand’s best street artists.”

The Graffiato Workshop will take place on Saturday the 22 October, from 10am to 1pm at the Tongariro Domain Toilet Block (opposite National Bank)

It aims to provide some insight into the techniques and process of making street-art through artists Cinzah Seekayem and Tanja Jade. These accomplished artists have a strong history exhibiting both on the street and in galleries. Tanja Jade used to make artwork and clothing under the name Misery and she is one of few female artists working in this field.

“We also want to have something for our youngest artists to enjoy,” said Ms Hawker, “so we’re hosting the Unison Family Zone on Saturday 22 October, outside the Great Lake Centre on Tongariro St, which will have chalk drawing, music, a performance from iconic street performer The Mulletman, fun and games for families of all ages.”

Graffiato is one of five new Erupt Events that are being presented in Taupō, and is set to become a biennial Labour Weekend activity.

ENDS

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