Graphic Rewilding x The Pump House Mural
“We want to bring joy by making maximalist nature-inspired art bursting with colour.”
Hive Curates and the Royal Docks Team is pleased to reveal Blue Sunset, a new mural by creative duo, Graphic Rewilding, launching at Projekt’s The Pump House. Reflecting the borough of Newham’s rich cultural diversity through a vibrant exploration of flora and fauna; the artwork is the first in a series commissioned for the brand new Royal Docks Originals Festival.
Graphic Rewilding: Commissioned by Royal Docks, Curated by Hive Curates. Photography credit: John Hunter
Graphic Rewilding’s Blue Sunset is an ode to the energy, diversity and stories of the area, and the design has been shaped by local residents and Docks’ heritage. It brings together flowers suggested by members of the local community, alongside fauna that references the history and the landscape surrounding The Royal Docks. Blue Sunset draws together the power of nature in urban grey spaces, and the transformative ability of this imagery in improving mental wellbeing.
Each flower represents its own historical and cultural meaning; from the bright tulips that symbolise renewal and rebirth, to the proud sunflowers that radiate positivity and strength. But these blooms were also chosen because of the personal significance they hold with local residents. By gathering suggestions, stories and memories from the community, Graphic Rewilding has built a mural that reflects both shared and subjective connections to the natural world.
The site of the artwork is also very important, as the historical development of the docklands is evident - with Richard Rogers’ unmistakable Tidal Basin Pumping Station just next door. The yellows, blues and reds within the artwork design mirror Rogers’ use of primary colours, while the sun-shaped blue in the background is a reference not only to blue skies, sunrise and sunset but also to Rogers’ use of shape.
Graphic Rewilding say:
“The Royal Docks have seen massive changes in the last two hundred years. From soft marshland, to bustling docklands and now home to thousands of Londoners - we felt it was important to reference this history and make an artwork that connects to the people who live here.
Through engaging with the community, we have created our own celebration bouquet that incorporates the favourite flowers of community members, alongside those that reference Victorian Floriography and that highlight the importance of preserving the health of natural ecosystems.
We want to bring joy by making maximalist nature-inspired art which is bursting with colour.”
The Pump House mural open call received over 50 expressions of interest with an overwhelming number of inspiring proposals responding to the theme of transformation. Selected for the final commission, Graphic Rewilding was amongst the four shortlisted artists, who were awarded an honorarium to develop their proposals for the project, the other shortlisted artists included Will Redgrove, Joy Yamusangie and Matt Dosa.
Graphic Rewilding’s, Blue Sunset mural will form an inspirational new landmark and serve as a gateway for thousands of people using the Royal Victoria DLR. The artwork will set the tone and ambition ahead of Royal Docks Originals 2025 - a new biennial cultural festival, which celebrates the local area’s heritage, community and shaping future – coming in September 2025.