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Before arriving in Christchurch two months ago, I had unbelievably never heard of the incredible collection of street art in the city. But walking around now I find it hard to not be drawn to a mural every few minutes. The street art scene here is so massive that Lonely Planet have even ranked it as a global capital, among the likes of London, Berlin and New York! Since the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011, which destroyed many buildings, lots of pieces have been commissioned to adorn the new buildings as part of the rebuild. If you are heading to Christchurch make sure to read my guide and spend a day or two exploring the city in the search for street art.
CHIMP
Organic Matters is a life-like piece featured on the wall of the Justice Precinct on Lichfield St.
MR. G
This mural is dedicated to New Zealand’s Rugby League World Cup coach David Kidwell, to celebrate hosting this event in Christchurch. It can be seen on the corner of Lichfield St and High St.
JACOB YIKES
Going through the photos I have taken of the street art, I have realised that most of them are by the Christchurch-based artist Jacob Yikes. And that is by no means a bad thing, his eye-catching work includes quirky characters and bold colours that spread across large walls. Here are a number of his incredible pieces below which can be found in car parks, spotted on the sides of tall buildings or down side streets!
CRACKED INK
Unnamed mural on the side of The Rockpool on Hereford St.
KEVIN LEDO
A large mural of Whero O Te Rangi Bailey at The Crowne Plaza Hotel on the corner of Colombo St and Armagh St.
SPRAY CANS
The area at Rauora Park contains eight spray cans, three used for established artists. The other five a blank canvas for anyone wanting to make their mark.
FLOX
No Place Like Home – Large tiles form this phrase inspired by Wizard of Oz which is featured on Lichfield St.
RONE
The Australian based artist created this realistic image of a woman was created as part of the Rise Street Art Festival in 2013. It can be spotted from Worcester St near the library.
BERST
This colourful piece was inspired by Maori and Pacific mythology and narratives and is located in a car park off Gloucester St.
ASKEW ONE
Kristen – This piece can be seen from the tram and New Regent Street and was created as part of the Rise Festival in 2014.
WONGI “FREAK” WILSON
Hide and Seek – This large photo-realistic piece cannot be missed on Gloucester St.
VEXTA
She Came From The Stars – This piece is dedicated to the artists grandmother who sadly passed away whilst she was in New Zealand for the Spectrum Festival 2015. It cannot be missed when strolling down Bedford Row.
To make your search easier click here for a great interactive map to help your self-guided tour. Or take part in one of the tours run by Watch This Space to make sure you see all the best pieces!
Whilst I have included a lot of images of street art in this post, this is hardly a fraction of the amount that is covering the walls here. The art covers all styles, from typical colourful graffiti tags to realistic murals, and even a mini attached to the side of a building! If you are heading to Christchurch make sure to keep your eyes open and spot the street art, not that you’ll have to look hard! Below are a few more great snippets for you…
WHAT’S IN MY BACKPACK
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[…] day trying to find them all! If you want a guide to the street art in Christchurch, check out my blog post here that I wrote when I lived […]