To mark the end of Nuart 2021, we asked our readers to vote for their favourite mural.
More than 200 people have now cast their vote and the black-and-white artwork created by Aberdeen-raised Katie Guthrie, better known by as KMG, was the most popular among P&J and EE readers.
Katie’s mural on Palmerston Road, behind Union Square, received almost half the votes (42.86%).
KMG said: “I’m incredibly happy to hear my piece has been engaging the locals and bringing a smile to some faces.
“For me, creating work on the street is all about encouraging conversation, exploration and imagination. I’ve loved watching the process of every Nuart mural being created this year and it feels incredibly special to have a piece alongside these unique and beautiful pieces that have been added to our city.”
Drawing inspiration from Aberdeen memories
To translate this year Nuart’s theme – reconnect – into her work of art, KMG drew inspiration from her memories of Aberdeen.
She said: “My piece revolves around a memory of mine: when you used to go to the Aberdeen Market, there used to be this mural at the entrance which depicted all the kind of fishing trade, packing fish and boats.
“When I was little, living on the coast always used to remind me of Gulliver’s Travels and the thought of what’s out there and what’s beyond the horizon, so I kind of patched those two together to create this composition – it’s also touching on the social and political aspect of Gulliver’s Travels.”
Final Nuart 2021 artist came second
The second most popular piece was created by Helen Bur, who was the final artist taking part in this year’s street art festival. Helen received 28.57% of the votes.
The London-based artist spent six days creating her mural on Union Row, a “sequel” to her previous Nuart piece, which adorned the side of Greyfriars House before the building was demolished in December last year.
The now-gone mural depicted the same couple featured in her latest work.
Helen said: “These are my two friends, Alice and Hugo. I painted them on each end of (Greyfriars House) before, and since then, I’ve ended up living with them, and they’ve had a baby. So they’ve become quite important people in my life.
“So I thought it would be really nice to, you know, develop their story on the wall here with their new addition, Ruby.”
Fanakapan’s 3D emoji piece came third in the popularity vote (14.29%), followed by Henrik Uldalen (9.52%) who sketched at Spring Garden Unite Students accommodation.
SNIK’s artwork on the soon-to-be demolished building on The Green came last (4.76%).
In other news, Nuart 2021 has been so successful, the event organisers already say they hope to bring the festival back next year. Click here to find out more.