Taupō Transformed

Street artists from around New Zealand and Australia gathered in Taupō over Labour Weekend and painted the town.

Proving they’re made of tough stuff, 23 artists stayed out in the rain, wind and cold to create 20 new murals over the three day holiday weekend.

It took 100 litres of paint and more than 500 cans of spray, but previously blank walls, structures and buildings are now works of art and put Taupō well on track as home to New Zealand’s premier collection of street art.

The artist’s diverse styles and talent enthralled the many spectators who braved the weather to watch their creativity unfold.

Long-time Taupō resident, Phyl Ruscoe says she’s amazed at the scale of work and the skill and creative talent involved.

“I like discovering the murals and didn’t realise how much technical ability goes into this work,” she says.

While the artists might not be household names, they’re well known and respected in artistic communities.

“There’s a whole range of genres and we’re really proud to have iconic kiwi street artists, Flox and Component, Chstie, Cracked Ink and Beck Wheeler as well as Jon Drypns and BMD come to paint here,” says Kylie Hawker, Erupt Events General Manager.

“International guest artists Roach and Numskull from Sydney added a fresh dynamic to the festival and it was great to see them share their knowledge, experience and skills with other guest artists,” she says.

Final word to Numskull who says their mural ‘There’s something strange in the Neighbourhood’ (from the movie Ghostbusters) expresses their surprise at a town like Taupō being host to such an incredible street art festival.

An exhibition of the street art continues until 28 October and visitors are enjoying the diversity of the works on display.

www.erupt.co.nz

Notes to editors:

Artist profiles: http://www.erupt.co.nz/graffiato/artists
This is the second year Graffiato's been held and, In 2011 guest artists came from North and South America, South Africa, England, Australia and Russia and alongside Maori, Cook Island and Pakeha kiwis led to an amazing multicultural experience with different styles and techniques.
Exhibition is open 10am - 4pm in Runanga Street next to Quality Print.
Attached low res photos part of a large collection by Taupō Photographer Jeremy Bright

www.plateaupr.co.nz
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ENDS

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