WATCH THIS SPACE

WATCH THIS SPACE

Untitled Artist Robert Seikon and Anastasia Papaleonida DateJanuary 2020 Location Lismore Street, Phillipstown

Produced in January 2020, this bright and humming collaboration was part of Robert Seikon and Anastasia Papaleonida’s residency at urban art gallery Fiksate. Seikon, from Poland, and Greek artist Papaleonida arrived in Ōtautahi in late 2019 following wider travels across the globe. With distinct backgrounds (Seneka, a graffiti artist, and Papaleonida, a designer), the duo’s unique stylistic approaches form a harmonious unison in their collaborations, as exemplified in this mural for iconic Christchurch funk store Cosmic. The large work is packed with vibrant colour blocks built around a strong black form, softer gradients differentiating the tones and adding a sense of shifting intensity. Sections of striating lines and vibrating dots add optical dynamism to the visual cacophony. At the same time, sharp protrusions lead the eye across the picture plane as the hard-edged geometry contrasts against the more organic elements. There is an evident lyricism in the composition, sections rising and falling with subtle details as we explore the image, proof that abstraction’s resonance can make for powerful public art.

Explore more of Ōtautahi’s urban art on a Watch This Space guided street art tour! Emailtours@watchthisspace.org.nz for booking information.

watchthisspace.org.nz/artwork/911