Russell paints tunnel of artistic love

Supplied

ARTISTIC EYE: Ephraim Russell paints the second bike tunnel on the way to Massey University.

He plans to brighten up the world, one piece of graffiti at a time.

Since arriving in Manawatu a year ago, Gisborne artist Ephraim Russell has been splashing his form of expression on every wall he can.

It is all legal – and Palmerston North City Council is even paying for the paint.

As part of a police and city council initiative in December, teen offenders were made to clean unsightly tagging from three cycle tunnels on Tennant Drive, on the way to Massey University.

The council then selected three local artists to adorn the tunnel with murals.

The first tunnel has been painted by artist Victoria Forbes, who covered the walls with colourful renditions of the Manawatu River, Tararua Ranges and Pacific Ocean.

Russell was chosen to paint the second, and has already begun work on his masterpiece – a Maori-themed painting, featuring tiki and koro patterns dispersed among native birds.

After attending Toihoukura contemporary Maori art school in Gisborne, Russell, 24, moved to Palmerston North with his brother for a change of scene.

Although he has not been in the city long, Russell's artworks can be seen city-wide. There's a piece behind Square Edge, a painting of a Spitfire commissioned by Rangitikei Floorings and a series of murals at North Street School in Feilding.

Russell says his work is about positivity, and spreading a good message in a visually appealing way that young people can relate to. He is not being paid, but says the mural is a good way of getting his name "out there".

An artist is yet to be confirmed for the third tunnel.

- © Fairfax NZ News