ARC

This mural reflects the community surrounding the new Abbottsfield Recreation Centre, urban art, and the power of artistic collaboration. People from a wide diversity of economic and cultural backgrounds congregate within this vital community hub. The selection committee was adamant that their Percent for Art project should have an urban edge, reflect Abbottsfield’s diversity, and engage the community in the creative process.

Scott Sueme is well-known for geometric works that reflect his background as a graffiti (street) artist. He meshed this artistic practice with images created by community members at a weekend art workshop in February 2014. Noticing many recurring patterns within the artworks, he integrated them into the artistic concept and finished mural. The stripes represent unity of purpose or goals, contrasted with the use of colour to highlight a sense of individuality. 

Perceiving that the community was truly passionate about graffiti as a cultural and creative outlet, the artist set out to portray graffiti in its distilled tradition of craft, design and positivity. The acronym ​“ARC” is the mural’s focal point – the letters are rendered in a minimal graffiti style. This aspect of the artwork conveys that graffiti can positively contribute to community building. The ARC Mural is now a popular landmark within the community and source of pride for the hundreds of people who use the recreation centre daily. The artist put the community at the centre of his process and they are at the heart of his finished work.