A spectacular artwork created by world-acclaimed artist Hera for Nuart Aberdeen is in the running to be named the greatest UK mural of 2024 – and Aberdeen Inspired is urging people to vote for the city’s masterpiece.
The work on the side of the towering Union Point at Aberdeen Harbour – depicting a girl holding a unicorn – is included as one of nine UK murals in the Artist Choice category of the Street Art Cities Best of 2024 Awards.
Hera’s work, which she has described as a love letter to Aberdeen and Scotland, sits alongside murals from cities including London, Manchester, Bristol and Sheffield under the heading The Greatest UK Murals of 2024.
All were handpicked by a panel of artists, celebrating creativity and innovation in the world of street art and the public are being asked to vote for their favourite to be named as the UK’s best.
The recognition for Hera’s work has been welcomed by Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired which stages Nuart Aberdeen in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Reed Projects.
Adrian said: “Even as Hera was working on her mural – perched on a cherry-picker 12 floors above the ground – it was clear this was going to become an instant icon of the transformational power of Nuart Aberdeen.
“This wonderful work can be seen from miles around and has already become synonymous with the Granite City, often pictured as the centrepiece of the cityscape.
“The fact it has been singled out as one of the nine greatest in the UK by artists themselves highlights the significance of this stunning artwork.
“I would urge as many people as possible to cast their vote for Hera’s work. It would be a fantastic coup for Aberdeen to be home to the greatest UK mural of 2024.”
Adrian said the nomination underlined Nuart Aberdeen’s standing in the global art world, having previously been named as one of the six best street art festivals in the world. Aberdeen Inspired are in talks with Aberdeen City Council to have the festival return later this year.
The Street Art Cities Awards describes Hera’s Union Point work as a “towering mural that blends symbolism with emotion and a sense of artistic grandeur”.
Hera was also behind one of Nuart Aberdeen’s most-loved murals when she worked with fellow artist Akut as part of duo Herakut to create the artwork “Because You Are That Light” at the now-demolished Aberdeen Market.
You can cast your vote for Hera’s Nuart Aberdeen work – and find out more about the Street Art Cities Best Of 2024 awards – by clicking here.
