Art / News
New artwork nods to small businesses and local living
An eye-catching new mural has taken shape in St Werburgh’s giving a nod to small businesses and local living.
The words ‘Living La Vida Local’ are now in highlighted in bold colours on a corner of Mina Road thanks to Adblock Bristol and artist Hola Merzi, also known as María.
The ever-changing art space, called the Burg Arts Billboard, has for years been the home of artworks which celebrate the community.
is needed now More than ever
Rowan Hanson-Iles, arts coordinator for the non-profit organisation, said the piece is a “celebration of art in the face of corporate advertising”.
View this post on Instagram
Adblock Bristol campaigns against outdoor advertising, petitioning for people’s right to “live in free cities” without “looming” commercial billboards and instead emphasising on human connection and community.
Hanson-Iles argued people are desensitised to the advertising, and art is a tool to recentre ourselves in the present.
Speaking about the meaning of the artwork, María said: “The words transported me straight away to the thought of going to the bakery, having a chat with the workers there who know you from years ago, and from them, you got that job they recommended, and also I bring them nice hometown food every time I go back home.”
The Burg Arts Billboard is renewed around four times a year.
Main photo & video: Erina Mannan
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
