A large-scale public artwork will adorn the (currently yellow) façade of Normans builders merchants from 13th June 2022.
Covering the 600m² frontage of the iconic Normans building, the mural, created by celebrated artist Gabriel Pitcher, will use this giant canvas will be inspired by the ‘Home’ residency project of the Polish, Portuguese and Romanian communities’ experience of living in Jersey.
The work is being created in response to the ArtHouse Jersey ’Home’ residency which saw three artists, one from each country, get to know and understand the experiences of their compatriots who have chosen to make the Island their home.
The ‘Home’ mural is a celebration of Jersey’s immigrant communities’ contribution to Island life, and the modern, multicultural place that we all call home.
The artist
Gabriel Pitcher is a contemporary street artist with experience and expertise in reflecting the essence of a community through his murals. His paternal roots link him with the parish of Grouville.
He will be assisted by a number of local muralists and street artists who will help him bring the wall to life over a two week period in June.
Pitcher creates works that explore his core ideas and philosophies around the themes of interlinked dimensions between our conscious and unconscious thoughts to interpret our experience of the world.
Partnership with Wood Street Walls
This large-scale mural is produced in partnership with Wood Street Walls CIC, who have created murals across the world with renowned artists in support of not for profits and local community. Wood Street Walls aim to make art accessible through the creation and installation of outdoor public art, and as such were natural partners for this project.
Director of ArtHouse Jersey, Tom Dingle, said: “Home has been an edifying project to bring together for the Island. We wanted to make it possible for Polish, Portuguese and Romanian voices in Jersey to feed into the artwork’s narrative and help create something beautiful and celebratory for everyone to enjoy when passing by.
“Wood Street Walls have been invaluable professional partners to work with, and we can’t thank Normans enough for being willing to be part of the story too. The applications from muralists around the world were extremely strong and fascinating in their own right.
“We are delighted to have selected celebrated street artist Gabriel Pitcher who has created some truly show stopping, socially engaged public art across the world to date. The fact that he has a personal familial immigration story to explore in Jersey made the selection feel even more fitting. Norman’s frontage couldn’t be in better artistic hands.”
Operations Director of Normans, Tim Darwin, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this project. Normans has been a part of Island life since 1840, and with this mural being a highly visible landmark that celebrates Jersey’s immigrant communities’ contribution to Jersey, it’s something we’re proud to be associated with.”
The main picture shows (left to right): ‘Home’ artists Dana Olarescu (Romania), Gabriel Pitcher (muralist), Natalia Kalicki (Poland) Cliff Andrade (Portugal).
