Eight national and international artists will bring more colour to the streets of Hamilton during the fifth annual BOON Street Art Festival in March.
From 6-8 March BOON will bring to life stories of the people and places of the Waikato through the mesmerising works of well-known street artists. BOON Street Art Festival Director, Craig McClure, says he and his team have been intentional about matching the right artist with the right wall in order to use each space as a platform for storytelling.
Artists from New Zealand, participating in the BOON Street Art Festival 2020, are Kieran Horner, Poihakena Ngawati, and Hana Maihi. The international lineup includes Tony Diaz from California and Peter Robinson from Seattle.
A collaborative piece by local artists Kelly Spenser and Michael Moore will appear on the façade of 586 Victoria St. The mural will say “Where her river bends bloodline and time tether in the hands of chiefs.” Words which honour whenua, serve as a reminder of mana, and nod to the Waikato whakataukī, ‘Waikato taniwha rau, he piko, he taniwha, he piko, he taniwha’.
Famous Auckland artist Erika Pearce, known for her powerful portraits of women, is also coming to Hamilton this year. She will be transforming the YWCA building.
Hamilton citizens and guests will be able to follow a special map and see artists at work as well as 43 murals created by 38 artists in the previous years of the festival. Adding to the transformative experience of the festival are the Mesoverse immersive artist space, various CBD talks and live music.
“Each piece becomes taonga for the city and something we can all be proud of,” says McClure.
For more info head to BOON Street Art Festival’s website or Facebook page.