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:
Soon to go live!
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