They’re painting the town red over at Selfridges...
You can’t fail to have noticed the giant paintbrush on the roof of the store as part of a festival to celebrate the best of street art in Birmingham.
The paintbrush was created by artist Filthy Luker and forms part of the 2014 City Of Colours Festival taking place in the city on September 6.
The festival will take place from 11am to 8pm at the Custard Factory, in Digbeth, with free entry on September 6. It will see parts of the city turned into a giant gallery, complete with live music, illustration battles and cinema screenings.
To find out more visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cityofcolours
From ice sculptures in Chamberlain Square to large-format displays of modern-day faith on Birmingham Cathedral, we’ve rounded up our favourite pieces of public art on display in Birmingham in recent years:
1. In the Marvellous Moment, Birmingham Cathedral
Birmingham Cathedral’s grand exterior was turned into a giant art canvas for four evenings during December 2013.
A newly-commissioned large-scale artwork called In the Marvellous Moment was projected directly onto the side and front of the building.
The Arts Council-supported art installation was described as a jewel in the city’s Christmas celebrations and featured the portraits of local people and their thoughts, hopes and reflections.
The cathedral worked with artists Geoff Broadway and Andy McKeown on the projection.
2. Minimum Monument, Chamberlain Square
Brazilian sculptor Nele Azevedo’s stunning art came with a powerful message to melt the heart.
Five thousand tiny ice sculptures of figures were placed by the public on the steps of Chamberlain Square to remember the men and women who made sacrifices in the First World War.
Descendants of those who fought in the conflict, especially those who are not remembered on war memorials, were asked to place a figure on the steps in August 2014.
It’s the first time Nele had presented her work in England, and by far her largest project, as she usually only makes 1,500 sculptures.
3. Bill Drummond
Musician turned artist Bill Drummond swept through Birmingham like a whirlwind during the first stage of his world tour in the spring of 2014.
His various art installations involved interviewing strangers in the street, flyposting, joining knitting groups, a white van sculpture, graffiti under Spaghetti Junction and, his most notorious act of all, defacing a UKIP campaign billboard.
Drummond’s Birmingham residency was in conjunction with Eastside Projects in Digbeth and each of his eye-catching performances or artworks was carried out with a real affection for the city and its people.
Come back, Bill. We’re missing you.
4. The Voyage, Victoria Square
The Voyage was a major outdoor spectacle performance, which formed part of the official launch of the London 2012 Festival celebrating the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Motionhouse-created show was an epic tale telling the dramatic story of passengers on board the HMS Olympia, a life-size cruise liner built against the backdrop of Birmingham’s Town Hall.
Dancers and aerlialists were joined by a choir, brass band and community performers.
Sadly, heavy rain forced the organisers to cancel its premiere in June 2012 with the severe conditions making it a health and safety risk for performers.
You can never trust a British summer.
5. Bullring Bull’s knitwear
He’s become one of the most photographed residents of Birmingham with people lining up daily to have their picture taken alongside him.
The Bullring Bull is also a dapper chap with a variety of pullovers to publicise different promotions at the retail centre; from late-night opening hours to Christmas shopping.
Our favourite was the vibrant and summery Union Flag outfit to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics.
