World famous Welsh artist, Pete Fowler, has created his largest artwork to date in Swansea. Its inspiration comes from local icon, Dylan Thomas, and artworks created by school children from the city. His monumental new work is the latest commission for the Art Across The High Street scheme that is helping to brighten up the street.
Opposite Swansea train station, a former nightclub has been transformed by the artist to celebrate Dylan Thomas ahead of the Dylan Thomas Centenary in 2014. Playing with quirky references to his writing, the mural celebrates Dylan’s work with affectionate nods to Swansea and brings a vibrant dash of colour and history to the High Street.
The giant 9 x 6m mural has Dylan as its centrepiece, complemented by Fowler’s unique take on Swansea including it’s maritime and mining heritage, Viking history, UFO sightings alongside two giant horses and a pair of pink octopus. The work was developed alongside Locws International’s ‘Swansea Icons’ workshop programme, where local school children were involved in learning about Swansea and proposing new icons for the City, many of which are featured in Fowler’s largest commission to date.
Some of Pete Fowler’s most recognisable images have been for the successful Welsh band Super Furry Animals, with album covers, videos and merchandise. His legendary creations have spanned toy figures, clothing, CDs, stationary and more, gaining him a world-wide fan base.
Locws International’s Project Manager, Gordon Dalton said ‘Pete’s work is extremely popular and instantly recognisable. It’s a great introduction to Swansea for first time visitors, and a pick me up for commuters and residents of the City. The school workshops programme has been an inspiration for the children and the artists alike’. Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID, said, ‘As the lead for The Art Across The High Street project it’s great to see this project come to life helping improve the trading environment in the area it’s in.’
Fowler’s latest work is part of the Art Across The High Street scheme, a partnership project to improve the appearance of Swansea City Centre by commissioning bold artworks for disused or run-down retail units. The project is funded by the Welsh Government, City & County of Swansea and Swansea BID and delivered in partnership with LOCWS International. Art Across The High Street is contributing to the regeneration of Swansea City Centre, making it a more desirable, attractive location. The artworks aim to attract both a local and national audience, promoting tourism and excellent media publicity for the area and issues involved in regenerating the wider UK High Street.
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