Mural brings wall to life
‘‘I’ve tried to utilise the wall too, it’s a decent size, about
4 metres high and
40 metres long.’’ Alex McLeod
Rural Waikato has been immortalised in inner city Hamilton.
Take a stroll down London Street and behind Number 8 wire you’ll see holstein-friesians chomping on lush grass, a farmer slouching on a fence post, a red tractor, and to make it look like the real-deal – there’s also a flock of sheep. And it’s all thanks to Alex McLeod.
The Hamilton artist has so far spent in excess of 100 hours painting the mural and emptied about ten 4-litre paint cans.
The mural was commissioned by Federated Farmers and has turned the once-stodgy exterior into a striking showpiece.
McLeod said the painting had a philosophical message.
‘‘Federated Farmers is about supporting farmers, so there’s a message there, about farmers having a chat and that sort of thing.
‘‘I’ve tried to utilise the wall too, it’s a decent size, about 4 metres high and 40 metres long.’’
About 400 litres of paint has been used, with McLeod saying he likes to mix his own colours to get the perfect hue.
In total, he’s spent 13 days and between eight and nine hours a day, painting the project.
He was given a broad brief and produced a few examples for his client and the one they chose is now front and centre.
McLeod said he should have finished by Friday, but could still be there on Saturday morning.
The artist has painted a few murals around the region.
But his primary role is as a graphic artist – murals are a summer break gig.
In January last year, he transformed a drab old city water tower into a mural that wasn’t only pretty to look at – it had a serious conservation message.
The centre of the artwork was dominated by a heart shape, with the mural telling the story of where Hamilton’s water comes from and what it takes to prepare each drop for consumption.
He said most of his murals are commissioned but his work carried a philosophical message.
When asked whether there were any other ‘‘drab’’ exteriors he’d like to paint in the inner city, his answer too, was philosophical.
‘‘I’ve had a bit on so I haven’t been prospecting as much but I’m always open to opportunities.’’