Matthew Nisbet – Opua mural

Inspired by Bridget Riley, an Opua waterfront building is being transformed with a complicated geometric design, perceptually bending the shape of the building through the clever composition and colour use.

A lavish of love, many months of work has gone into creating the unique finish comprised of two colour coats and then a final coat with white and colour to produce the clean sharp lines that Bridget Riley uses.

So frenzied are the shapes, that one garage door was stopped and changed as the full rendition of the original design, Movement in Squares 1961, can bring on epilectic seizures.  The Blue and White is from the 1963-65 period typified by 'Twist 1963', 'Descending 1965' and 'Shuttle 1964'.

Putting these detailed artworks onto a building brings with it complications of accuracy of outline and hence the straight line forms. The other difficulty is the bumps and structural bits that differ from a piece of paper.  The perspective changes from all angles and many touchups are needed to get the finish just right.

Resene primer and paint in hues of Resene Anakiwa, Resene Onahau, Resene French Pass, Resene Pelorous, Resene Spanish White, Resene Cape Honey and Resene White were used during the trials and the final rendition.

Such is his creative focus, that creator Matthew Nisbet comments that “If I was not trying to set up a gallery then it could become a full time obsession!”

Artist: Matthew Nisbet