I’d seen a mural callout for the Piccadilly Arcade site, and even though the project didn’t end up going ahead for the original artist expression of interest, something about the space stuck with me. The lines of the architecture, the complexity of the space... it felt like a mural was just meant to be there. So, I decided to pursue it myself, applying for funding to make it happen via Tauranga City Council and the Public Art Fund.
The concept for my artwork titled "Interchange" draws from the rhythm of movement through the arcade. Imagery of people crisscrossing, connecting, weaving their way through the city came to mind. It’s about intersections: of paths, ideas, and people. I was also inspired by the Piccadilly name itself, with a little nod to the London underground line, so my mark making in certain areas reference the urban aspect of the London tube.
Visually, the piece blends my mark-making practice with bold colour and layered abstraction. I wanted it to feel alive... full of motion, texture and play.
Height access was the trickiest part of this mural. My biggest challenge was maneuvering up and over a large glass display box while dodging a 45 degree cross beam overhead. My skills on a scissor lift are down to a fine art now!
Creating this piece has stretched me as an artist in the best way. It’s pushed me to trust my instincts and to take creative risks in challenging spaces. It’s been about backing my own vision, this is something I know will feed into all my future work.
Every mural teaches me something new, but this one feels especially significant. It’s a reminder of why I fell in love with public art in the first place. It's the chance to transform a space, connect with community, and create something colourful and fun behind that feels like it belongs. This mural has completely changed the energy of the space and I am so grateful to the conversations I had with the public and the people I met while painting this vibrant mural installation.
Commissioned by: Tauranga City Council via the Public Art Fund
Photos: By Julia Lochhead and process imagery by Cin Cin and Jasmine Kroeze.
Thanks: Creative Bay of Plenty for the support
Height Access: Height 4 Hire
Paint: Resene
See the mural
Go and check out the mural at Piccadilly Arcade: 44 Grey Street, Tauranga.
Make sure you tag me on instagram @jasminekroeze
