For this month’s Art Works, Natalie Coe (aka Talia) tells us about her new public mural which features as part of the Broad Marsh redevelopment, in collaboration with Art Fest…
This mural is about change. It’s bold, abstract, immersive and inspired by the feeling of change, hope for a greener future. The site which Broadmarsh is stood on is Narrow Marsh and it has always been a site in transition. Its history is defined by cycles: building, use, decline, renewal. That's what I wanted to reflect in the mural. This is not an illustration of Broadmarsh; it's a feeling of it.
The mural operates on two visual registers. The abstract layer: colour gradients, shifting forms, tonal transitions and abstract blocks. These carry the emotional and temporal narrative of the site moving through past, present and future; always in a state of change. The sunrise backdrop underpins this; a shard of a shifting moment in time, dawn awakens, a fresh start, a new possibility. A hope for more greener spaces within the city and an expansion of the Green Heart, where nature is nurtured and allowed to thrive.
Within it there are also elements of change: the deer, and the dragonfly emerge from that abstraction as symbols of human presence, natural life and transformation. Together they create a multi-layered work. The deer connects to Nottingham's identity, Robin Hood, Sherwood, the city's heraldic history. The dragonfly, with its lacewings, signals ecological renewal, the canal and waterway heritage of the Narrow Marsh area. These are animals of transition and change, which is precisely what Broadmarsh is undergoing.
The intention is to create a multi-dimensional shifting scene that is visually compelling and enticing with textures, tones, energy and detail that add richness and intrigue. This piece is exceptionally large, and the building was still being renovated as I painted it, so it’s not your average ‘show up and paint’. It’s taken careful planning to design it to flow, once the base set is, we mark it out the key areas and from there build it into full colour.
I love it when I overhear passers-by enjoying the transformation of what was a bland dull wall into something with colour to brighten up the place
I have always enjoyed making artwork: my Grandma inspired me as a young kid. She encouraged me to be curious and was always into new things. As a teenager I can remember walking round near the docks in Bristol to go see a street art exhibition called Walls on Fire. I guess it all began from there.
I studied Art Foundation at UWE then went onto do a photography degree. Whilst working in design for many years I was drawn back into the murals and illustration. So now I am somewhat of a multidisciplinary creative. My inspirations: French abstract artists, Nelio and Satone. Uk: Paris MMX, Will Gates (Roids) Will Barras, Duncan Jago, Petro.
My practice explores the intersection of humanity, nature, environment and technology. Drawing on graffiti handstyle and an abstract European visual language, I build compositions from tonal clashes and colour harmonies, a reminder of the connections between each, and to nurture that which deserves protection for the greater good of all.
Rooted in over fifteen years in the graffiti and street art scene, my aim has always been to elevate a space and to leave it a little brighter, lighter and welcoming. The landscape we live, work and move through shapes our mood and outlook. I love it when I overhear passers-by enjoying the transformation of what was a bland wall into something with colour. I paint to make spaces more welcoming to all.
Natalie Coe’s mural is located at the top of Middle Pavement, NG1 7DX.
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