Peterborough artists hope to bring unity to city through stunning work

Four artists - Tony Nero, Karina Shah, Charron Pugsley-Hill and Nathan Murdoch have created the works on the underpass on the street.

The underpass had been blighted with offensive and racist graffiti - but now the new works have a more uniting message.

Some of the paintings have been seen across the world having been shared by thousands of people.

The scheme was launched by Peterborough charity Diaspora.

Today Tony Nero said: “The idea behind my new painting at the Taveners Road Underpass, was to try to create something uplifting while at the same time reflect peacefulness and tranquillity.

“During these strange times a lot of people have found solace walking along the Embankment and embracing nature. I myself find the walk along the river peaceful and always spend time there, even before lockdown. I’ve tried to capture this mood in my painting while trying to relate it to that part of our city.

“All the pieces in the Underpass are based on the concept of ‘Art Against Racism’. We all know that art can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. The walls and previous art on the walls were covered in racist slogans, which have a negative impact on any community.

“The new pieces are aimed to create positivity and tranquillity, with a hope to uplift anyone who walk through or visit the Underpass. To me, having positive images in and around our community means this can only enrich and develop us as we grow.”

For Charron Pugsley-Hill, the work provided a special challenge, as it is the biggest piece she has ever created.

She said: “My painting which I have called Flowers All Together Happy In Their Meadow, is how I would like to see the world- everyone regardless of the colour of their skin or their petals-happy living together in peace, fun and love.

“Many may see that as naive but I have always tried to see the positives in life and to take action towards that goal.

“It is better to believe in something and do do something than do nothing. The Rainbow is a moment in time of now but I have always seen a rainbow as bringing hope in the storm wherever I have seen them. They never fail to bring a smile to me, that feeling of colour in the darkest of grey storms.

“The work has been created with the largest brushes I have ever used for my art along with some of my usual brushes, a lot of paint and a little glitter but lots of metallics which I hope will bring a shimmer and shine in the light above in the darkness of the night. 
“I really hope that is a beginning not only of a kinder, more tolerant and supportive, positive community but also of a city that embraces art with all the amazing benefits that come from being surrounded by incredible art created by the artists living here in the city of Peterborough. Our home.”

Nathan had already created two pieces in the underpass - and now a third has been added on the side of a shop in the street.