Southside Shopping Centre has announced that artist, Ruki Chuki, has won a competition to create a mural which will be installed in the heart of Wandsworth.
It follows an open call issued by Southside’s owners Landsec and Invesco Real Estate in May where they appealed to local artists to design a mural that would reflect a clear connection to the character and soul of the area. The mural will transform the brickwork at the centre’s busy West Entrance into a vibrant colourful and welcoming space for local residents and guests to enjoy.
Hailing from North Macedonia, 38-year-old Ruki, has lived in Wandsworth for eight years with her husband and children, and has grown to appreciate how welcoming the culture and spirit is within the community, and that the borough is such a family-friendly place.
Rebecca Ruddle, Centre Director at Southside Shopping Centre, said: “As we enter the next stage of the centre’s refresh, we are delighted to announce that we have found the perfect artist to create the centre’s mural.
“Southside is at the heart of Wandsworth’s community, so it was important that we found someone who understood the essence of what it is to be a resident here, and how it feels to be integrated in the borough.
“Ruki’s design centres around bringing the community together and we really liked the overall concept of her mural.”
Ruki Chuki commented: “I am delighted to have won Southside’s competition to design their new mural.
“My art has always been a way for me to channel my thoughts and emotions and to document important moments in my life, whether it be my journey to motherhood and my relationship with my body or what it is like to live in London.
“Winning this competition has been a real confidence boost, especially as it was my first time applying for an open call like this. I’m really thankful for the opportunity and the chance to get my name out there and showcase more of my work within the local community.
“I’m excited to get underway with painting the mural and can’t wait to see it in place!”
The installation of the mural is part of Southside Shopping Centre’s multi-million-pound regeneration plans, with significant enhancements being made including the remodelling of the North and South entrances as well as improvements inside the centre.
About the Artist and the Work
Having always dreamt of being an artist, Ruki attended art school in North Macedonia, and studied fine art and graphic design before being introduced to graffiti and illustration. For Ruki, art has always been a way to express herself, and to document important moments in her life, whether that be during her youth, moving countries, or documenting her journey to motherhood, and her experience of living in London.
The winning mural features bright colours which portray the vibrancy and diversity in the community, demonstrating not just the array of different cultures and backgrounds but also so many characters in one person. It also demonstrates how love transcends communities and connects different people no matter their background.