Kittybrewster pupils help create stunning new Woodside icon with international artist

14 May 2019

Pupils at Kittybrewster School teamed up with older members of the local community and international artist at the weekend to transform the electricity substation at Woodside Medical Centre into a giant, colourful, boom box.

The colourful and iconic addition to the area is a result of the grant awarded to the pupils through Aberdeen City Council’s U Decide participatory budgeting event for Tillydrone, Woodside and Seaton.

With the funding in place, the primary school teamed up with Argentinian artist, Patricio Forrester to transform the grey substation into an eye-catching 3D mural.

The intergenerational artwork brought together, Patricio, pupils and older adults who live on Great Northern Road, who the children frequently visit as part of their digital skills project..

Prior to the work commencing, Depute Head Teacher Samara Mcintyre, said: “The children are really excited about meeting Patricio and becoming involved in the process of planning and painting a mural. Patricio is equally excited as he has never been to Aberdeen although it’s probably colder than other locations he has worked in! I cannot wait to see what the young and old artists come up with as a design!”

Patricio, of the international art group Art Mongers, said: “We work with children and older people and we started a creative process where we work together on ideas and designs. It’s all about public art and public engagement, looking to create an icon in the community that people can be proud of having created”.

The admiring glances the finished creation has been drawing from local people and passers-by certainly indicate that Aberdeen, the UK home of Nuart, has another distinctive street art landmark on its hands!

Photographs show: 

Kittybrewster pupils (left to right) Kanye Sim (9 years old, Primary 5), Caleb MacLean (9 years old, Primary 5) Louie Barney (8 years old, Primary 4) with artist Patricio Forrester, get ready to transform the substation

2 The stunning new Boom Box makeover captures the eyes of passersby

3 Patricio Forrester salutes the new Woodside Icon