The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Lauren’ s bright idea is all art
Artist Lauren Morsley has revealed the inspiration behind an eye-catching new mural on the side of a block of flats in Dundee.
The colourful work adorns the gable end of the building on Craigie Street in Stobswell.
Measuring 8m tall and 6m wide it took eight days to complete.
Lauren, from Kirkcaldy, created the mural in partnership with Open/ Close Dundee – the group behind a series of street art projects in the city.
It had been planned for completion in 2021, but was delayed due to the pandemic and was commissioned to promote sustainability and community spirit.
Lauren, 25, said: “We decided to have the characters doing day-to-day activities and have that sense of community – whether it’s planting fruit and vegetables, taking recycling out, or being more outdoors in general.”
The artwork on the council-owned sheltered housing complex also gives a nod towards renewable energy.
Lauren said: “It’s showing how Scotland can be greener and I hope it connects people individually and shows they can make a difference. It’s people doing what they can and within their own means.
“I really hope people like it, I hope it lifts up the area with the colour.”
The work was funded by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, as part of research into how art like this affects communities.
Russell Pepper, director of Open/Close, said: “It brightens up the street so much. We couldn’t have done it without the funding from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, generous support from the Dulux decorator centre, the Stobswell forum, all of Lauren’s assistants and, of course, Lauren herself.
“The residents have been great as well – they really love it and were engaging loads with Lauren.”