Watch This Space: Elliot Francis Stewart
Untitled
Artist Elliot Francis Stewart
Date March 2022
Location Manchester Street
Tāmaki Makaurau artist Elliot Francis Stewart’s mural for the inaugural Flare Street Art Festival may have been the final work produced for the event (the artist’s arrival in Ōtautahi was delayed), but it definitely proved worth the wait! The serene scene, apparently at the end of a long day of toil in the garden, is both vibrant and peaceful. The bold colour palette, blue, yellow, purple, and maroon, is eye-catching, yet the calm stillness is relaxing amidst the surrounding urban bustle. The details highlight Stewart’s skill; subtle flourishes, such as the wood grain of the shovel, or the wafting steam of the teacup, highlight his mastery of the spray can. Closer inspection reveals more; tiny insects and lizards add a sense of life to the landscape, while bulbous mushrooms sprout amongst the interlocking flora and fauna, encouraging us to stop and get lost in the beauty of nature.
Explore more of Ōtautahi’s urban art on a Watch This Space guided street art tour! Email tours@watchthisspace.org.nz for booking information.