A unique piece of street art that is influenced by Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal video. The artwork pays homage to Michael's amazing dance moves, particularly his moonwalk.
The mural is located on the corner of Colquitt Street and Seel Street in Liverpool's city centre, on the old BT building, facing Lago cafe. This piece was not a commission, but like "For All Liverpool's Liverbirds", was a gift to the city.
The mural really brightens up a dull wall, even though the only colours are mainly black white and blue.
"I had been thinking about this mural for a while. I'm not sure how the idea came to me, but I think I had some ideas about how could I create a sequence of movements on a flat 2D wall. I saw a clip of the Moonwalk recently, and the gliding steps immediately struck me as something that would work.
The dance moves and the white suit are iconic. I added blue movement lines, although part of me thinks there may have been enough movement without needing them, In any case, I hope it works.
Its been a while since I had the chance to paint a non commissioned piece and have a complete free reign. I really enjoyed it. Like "For all Liverpool's Liverbirds" I wanted to do something that brightens up peoples' day and raises a smile!"
The painting took two long days during the hottest days of 2018.
Full page:
https://www.paulcurtisartwork.com/michael-jackson-moonwalker-mural
So much has happened in the year since! I know many people have enjoyed having their picture taken in front of them, and that afterall, was the whole point, but here is a few words about what they mean to me:
A year ago today I got out of bed and decided to change my life by changing the things I had control of. I used to be a geologist in the oil industry. During the downturn, I had 2 years of being rejected for the few jobs that were out there. Never received any feedback (despite requests) and often companies didn't even show the courtesy of responding at all. Then I started to be told by the recruitment agencies that I had been out of the industry too long and no one would be interested. This was very frustrating. I tried applying to other industries in Liverpool, but despite my experience and education, I found I wasn't getting any interviews. I believe (though I could be wrong) this may have been because people considered my previous work as too specialised. I realised that I could no longer rely on others to help me find work so I took things into my own hands. Many people tell me that the "wings" mural gave them a feeling of hope and positivity. They certainly have turned my life around.
Here's to everyone who has become one of Liverpool's Liverbirds! 🍻 You probably don't realise how much you all helped change my life! Mucho love! 😀💚
For the full page, click here
I painted this in April in Cellar 24, a new bar on Wood Street, Liverpool. This mural is a larger than life painting of one of Liverpool's famous Liver birds. Painted over a plain dark grey wall (with slight distortions caused by the doors). Wings outstretched, the Liver bird looks out over the Mersey from its perch on the Liver Building. Completed in April 2018.
