RESPECTED artist Graffiti Dave is using graffiti art in a positive way by giving a voice to Warrington residents – and there are now just two weeks left to see the spectacular exhibition.
Literally Murals is a thought-provoking display at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, finishing on Saturday March 25, which has been designed by Warrington residents – some of who are housebound or not always able to interact with their local communities.
As part of this unique collaboration between Culture Warrington’s outreach and engagement team and Dave Eardley, aka Graffiti Dave, residents were visited at home and in community centres, and encouraged to communicate their thoughts and ideas through the striking medium of graffiti.
Dave, who specialises in typography, said: “I immediately loved the sound of the project. Getting to use graffiti art in a positive way and working with local residents – what’s not to like?
“I spent a few afternoons meeting the residents and showing them my work. I chatted with them about their lives and what matters to them most, and then asked if they could sum their thoughts up in one word.”
These words were then spraypainted onto huge canvasses, with Dave taking direction from the residents on colour schemes and typographical styles.
The residents, with help from Dave, also created some mini works of art to keep, as a memento of taking part in the project.
Dave added: “I’d like to thank Warrington Museum and Art Gallery for being brave enough to use this art form as it’s so misunderstood. Hopefully between us all we’ve shown that it can be used in a positive way.
“And thank you to the residents for their enthusiasm and for making me feel so welcome. I hope I did them all proud!”
