Street Artists Transform a Scottish City Into an Open-Air Art Gallery

Millo mural at NuArt Aberdeen 2024

MILLO (Photo: Clarke Joss Photography)

For the seventh year, international artists have taken over Scotland's third-largest city for Nuart Aberdeen. Eleven artists descended on the city in early June to create public art centered around the theme “Living Heritage.” In doing so, they continue to transform the fabric of the port city.

The organizers encouraged all of the artists to think about the ephemeral nature of their work and how the murals exist far beyond the final images that circulate online.

“I’d urge everyone, in this media-saturated world of pretty murals, to spend a little extra time thinking about what and who is behind these final hero shots and how they contribute to making the city a slightly better place to be in these trying times,” shared Nuart founder and curator Martyn Reed.

From Case Maclaim‘s realistic portrait of fellow artist Addam Yekutieli to Bahia Shehab‘s graphic interpretation of poetry, the finished works are a powerful reminder of our complicated times. Projects focusing on freedom, peace, disillusionment, and hope for the future all weave a complex narrative of current events.

Other standout work includes a large mural by Italian artist Millo, which incorporates photographs depicting historic local events. Scottish artist KMG also embodies local history with a set of three murals of Celtic goddesses at the Aberdeen airport.

This year's work adds over 10 permanent installations to the city, bringing Nuart Aberdeen's total to more than 60 public pieces of art scattered across the urban landscape. Scroll down to see more highlights from this year's festival.

For the seventh year, Nuart Aberdeen has brought public art to Scotland's third-largest city.

KMG mural in Aberdeen for NuArt Aberdeen 2024

KMG (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Bahia Shehab mural at NuArt Aberdeen 2024

Bahia Shehab (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Know Hope for NuArt Aberdeen 2024

Addam Yekutieli (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Hera mural in Aberdeen for NuArt

Hera (Photo: Clarke Joss Photography)

The theme, “Living Heritage,” asked artists to ruminate on the ephemeral nature of their art and how it impacts the city.

KMG mural in Aberdeen for NuArt Aberdeen 2024

KMG (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Cbloxx at NuArt Aberdeen 2024

Cbloxx (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Mahn Kloix at NuArt Aberdeen

Mahn Kloix (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Millo mural at NuArt Aberdeen 2024

MILLO (Photo: Clarke Joss Photography)

Know Hope for NuArt Aberdeen 2024

Addam Yekutieli (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Hera mural in Aberdeen for NuArt

Hera (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Nuart Aberdeen: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Nuart Aberdeen.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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