When Jesse Jensen received the task of incorporating street art into the Papakura Sea Scouts' Cliff Road hall, he let his creative spirit soar.
Operating under the name Ares Artifex, Jesse was commissioned by the Beautification Trust to adorn a section of the hall but as he worked to depict the scouts, their earned badges, and their activities, he was inspired to push on, extending his artwork around the entire building.
With more than two decades of experience in street murals, Ares believes providing legal spaces for artists to showcase their talents is a way to offer more substantial value than engaging in an ongoing battle against graffiti.
"Artists can certainly paint but just consider the thousands of kilometres of park fences alone that street art could transform.”
The scout hall mural reflects Ares Artifex’s vision. Working with scouts and the Beautification Trust, he came up with a plan to include the essence of scouting in his art. Climbing, sailing, and community service all feature, and Ares also made it a point to showcase diversity, including different genders, ethnicities, a wheelchair user and a visually impaired person in his work.
The hall is just one of many Ares has undertaken with the Beautification Trust, his work featured in Otāhuhu and Northcote, and he currently engages with the Ministry of Education at Randwick Park School, collaborating with students on mural projects.
Papakura Local Board provides funding for the Beautification Trust, which is involved with graffiti removal but also in identifying spaces artists can use.
Board chair Brent Catchpole says Ares has transformed two ageing green halls into representations of the activities taking place within them.
“I’m told some leaders and parents were a bit skeptical at first, but that the work has grown on them. The children just think it’s cool.”
In line with the Beautification Trust's commitment to reuse and recycle, Ares employs a unique approach to sourcing materials by repurposing discarded paint from garages, skip bins, and generous painters, ensuring it doesn't end up in landfills.
The Auckland-based street artist continues to advocate for creativity in public spaces. To connect with him, email artpieceltd@gmail.com.
