Celebcity: Nuart takes centre stage

Nuart takes centre stage in Norway with some incredible murals, & Japan Festival comes to town

Off the wall
Each year we are very fortunate here at JBPR to visit Stavanger in Norway and take journalists to see the amazing work of some of the best street artists currently working on the planet. This year was no exception as the festival called Nuart, features the work of Chinese-American artist David Choe. David was made an instant millionaire after agreeing a few years ago to paint some of his stunning murals in the offices of Facebook.

Doing the work for shares in the company instead of dollars, David did rather well, when founder Mark Zuckerberg decided to float the company, hence making its shareholders instantly rich. David, took time out to paint a tunnel at the hub of Nuart – which is a dis-used brewery right opposite the stunning fjords of Norway – as well as some outdoor work. All of the artists who attend though are in their element, doing what they do best – which is outdoor work. This years highlights included Japanese artist Aiko – once part of the New York-based Faile collective, Aiko has now broken out on her own and creates visually stunning stencils. Also at Nuart this year was DalEast – who is currently in excile from his native China – Dal creates freehand work with a spray can which is quite incredible to watch. He created a giant outdoor piece overlooking Stavanger harbour where confused International cruise ship tourists stared on wondering what on earth was going on!

It is difficult to describe what affect Nuart has on the sleepy, well to do oil-rich town – the festival which has been running since 2005 is now immensely proud of the art that goes up each year on the sides of their houses and buidlings, and it stays year after year. It is well worth making the flight to Stavanger to see such a great body of work. The flight is only 1 hour and 20 minutes – not much further than Scotland.

Nuart runs until 20 October and if free for more information go to www.nuart.no

Photo Credit_©_Ian_Cox_2013

Turning Japanese
From Norway to Japan – Brighton’s very own Japan Festival is now in full swing. I am already packing my blanket and bento box in anticipation of watching the fantastic animation double bill of Studio Ghibli films Spirited Away and Ponyo. Further details and ticket information from www.brightonjapan.com

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Jo Brooks is director of Brighton-based PR company JBPR Ltd, 01273 622555, www.jb-pr.com
Send celebrity spots, gossip and pictures to job@jb-pr.com
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