The architecture of paint: a study of Wellington architectural murals

Abstract

This report discusses ways paint has been used on buildings to create new meaning, or enhance existing ideas. It is concerned with the ways in which paint can be used architecturally to amplify, transform, mask or even create totally new architectural meanings. In the first part the report investigates architectural murals (murals that have been painted onto buildings). A typology of murals based on their content is developed in the study. The categories take into account a number of influences on the designer and client. This typology divides murals into three categories: Social and/or Political murals, commercial murals and individualistic murals. This typology enables a comparative study of Wellington murals painted in different contexts, from varying briefs given to the artists. It is therefore possible to look at the work of different artists and begin to understand the meanings of their murals. The work of two artists, Quadratura and Chris Finlayson [Art fx], receive special attention. Most of the external architectural murals in Wellington have been painted by these artists. The study argues that murals can be architectural. This does not mean that the mural can replace architecture because they can not create experiential space. Instead, it argues that murals have become an important part of the architecture of the city. It is therefore important to understand the clients, painters and other factors affecting the meaning, content and format of mural painting in Wellington.