Street murals

After being amazed at a mural on a container at Addington Te Kura Taumatua when visiting for the Junior Neighbourhood Support programme, Elissa Smith decided to ask the artist some questions:

How do you choose a design for a wall that suits the community?

Each design is unique in the way that it relates to the community and how it is designed.

I worked with New Brighton Outdoor Art Foundation who asked the community via social media what kind of bird they would like to see on the wall.

There were some great ideas but one mentioned that there are not many moa murals around and the wall was perfect for it, being so tall.

Last year I worked with Addington Te Kura Taumatua to create an artwork on the Selwyn Street Toilets. We asked the students to submit design ideas which were used in the final design for approval. Students came and helped paint the wall too.

I also like to improvise without a design and have been given permission from homeowners to create an artwork on their fences.

How do you think people benefit and what comments do you get?

I think the community benefit from the artworks as they can be enjoyed in the streets in everyday life without the need to go to fancy galleries.

I choose to paint dogs and birds a lot as I find so many people can relate and connect with them. Many people stop and comment on the artwork while I’m painting and most of it is really positive.

I get comments like, “this is so beautiful”, “this is what the community needs”, “better than a blank wall”.

I’m always looking for communities to work with to create more art.

I am able to work with ideas to bring a design together to meet the needs and ideas of the group that I am working with.

To make contact with Rodrigo Rozas, check out: Chileonenz.com

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