The internationally recognised Palestinian artist Taqi Spateen unveiled a new mural on the gable-end of Convention House, a 19th-century former nunnery owned by East Street Arts in Leeds.
The artwork in Mabgate, is the first in a series of five murals – part of a new international graffiti art project painted by the artist in Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol, Stroud and London.
Taqi was in residency with East Street Arts during May 2024, during his time in Leeds, he explored the local street art scene and public artworks including the 10-metre high Yinka Shonibare CBE’s Hibiscus Rising sculpture, and visited architectural icons in the city to inspire the creation of the mural.
Jon Wakeman, Artictic Director at East Street Arts, said: “Since 7th October, I have been struggling to know how East Street Arts should respond to the Palestinian conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“As an organisation working with artists and creatives, we believe any statement should come from a Palestinian artist. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to offer a wall on one of our buildings, plus accommodation and equipment; allowing Taqi to devote time to creating this new work as a statement of his hope and vision for a Palestinian future.
“It has been a pleasure to meet Taqi and support him in developing a piece that speaks for him and his situation.”
Taqi’s Leeds residency has been a collaboration between Leeds Palestinian Film Festival (currently celebrating their 10th anniversary), East Street Arts (currently marking their 30th anniversary) and Bethlehem Film Festival.
