Upper Street now has a fresh splash of colour thanks to the work of two local artists.
Artists Josephine Hicks and Barnacus Knocks (also known as DrZadok) worked for several days to paint bees, flowers and butterflies into a mural on the new Islington Square complex in Upper Street. The theme of “nature and gardens” was chosen by Islington residents in a public vote.
New development Islington Square held a public vote on the theme of the artwork, which reflects local residents’ desire to see more of nature, and to encourage people to garden more.
A local resident said: “Seeing this magnificent mural reminds us how dependent we are on wildlife and nature. When I walk by this mural, I can’t help but smile and think about sustainability and the importance of greenery.”
According to ScienceDaily: “taking at least twenty minutes out of your day to stroll or sit in a place that makes you feel in contact with nature will significantly lower your stress hormone levels.”
Hicks and Knocks said they worked to portray the benefits of nature in creating healthy minds, and hoped the new mural would bring joy and beauty during testing times of the pandemic.
