New web-series launches this Oct - If These Walls Could Talk

Media Release

TALKING STREET ART WITH NZ’S BEST

TrustMe presents
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

A five episode mini-series - funded by NZ On Air Ignite

Launch/Exhibition: Sat 11 Oct 6 - 9PM, Imperial Lane Basement, 7 Fort Lane as part of Artweek 2014

This October a new web-series that takes a closer look at the practice of some of New Zealand’s best street art and graffiti artists will launch online, free-to-all. IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK looks to provide a bridge between the artists, the communities and the spaces used – elevating discussion regarding the art-form around NZ.

Created and presented by Ross Liew (from the much vaunted Cut Collective) and with the help from NZ On Air Ignite funding scheme, If These Walls Could Talk focuses on five street artists looking at what compels them to paint outside, what drives them artistically, and how they navigate identity, community, ownership and the creative process.

An incredible trans-media experience, the works of Askew One, Benjamin Work, Mica Still, Elliot Francis Stewart and BMD are documented on video and online, with the series also providing a direct link between the walls painted and the stories captured – both from the online world to the artwork (in learning about the concept and the history of the artist, including their artistic statement with the work), and vice versa, with a link at each mural site available to transport patrons to the ITWTC online hub.

The result is an informative collection of narratives regarding not only the concept of street art, but contextualizing the positive benefits the artists can have on communities, engaging in these works in an innovative and encouraging manner; cultivating public experiences as they contribute to our public spaces.

“These are stories about a group of people all driven by a compulsion to paint big walls – what’s revealing is the variety of characters, philosophies and approaches. What’s reassuring is their shared sense of care, dedication and honesty” says ITWCT producer,Ross Liew.

The mini-documentaries keep the contemporary feeling alive by using an abundance of musical talent developing within New Zealand also – featuring the music of six producers and beat-makers throughout the series including Samuel Truth, Miso Shiru and Jay Knight.

If These Walls Could Talk was born from discussions regarding a higher level of critical engagement with street art in New Zealand (perhaps even the world), developing both a professional legitimacy and credibility within the field and educating an increasingly interested and literate audience. By acknowledging the influence of this art form and its role within public place making (just like design and architecture is), the series provides a distinct point of view of contemporary NZ culture in an effective and arresting manner.

If These Walls Could Talk is not only an education into the world of street art, but also ab introduction into viewing our streets in a way we may not be familiar with.

For more info on the series visit:
www.facebook.com/ITWCTNZ

Soon to go live!
www.ifthesewallscouldtalk.co.nz

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK EXHIBITION runs as part of Artweek 2014
OPENING: Saturday 11 Oct 6pm - 9pm
Sunday 12th October - Tuesday 14th October - 10am - 4pm
Imperial Lane Basement, 7 Fort Lane, Auckland City

LATE NIGHT ART EVENT
Live Painting: October 14, 6-9pm. Fort Lane.
Featuring one of the artists from the series painting live on the lane way.

ENDS

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