Artist Information
Mantra (IG: @mantrarea)
Mantra is a French painter with international recognition for his intricate, photorealistic style and approach to installation. The site he paints in Railyard Park today had historically been a butterfly garden, and all of the species depicted on the tower are native to this area. Mantra is represented by artists agency, Justkids. Detailed artist bio from Justkids below:
“Born in Metz (France) in 1987, Mantra is a self-taught street artist [with] an 11 year trajectory... He began painting mainly on walls in the french graffiti scene. He grew up between the noise of the city and the whispers of the surrounding countryside. In his paintings and murals, Mantra pays tribute to nature (be it human or wild) in a unique “realist” yet lively style.
The artist's murals process is a careful combination of careful perspective composition lending mastery to his Trompe-l'œil style along with exquisite use of colors, leaving his distinctive trace in the urban areas he visits like an echoing mantra, hence his artist name. The rising french artist is well on his way to the international vanguard of contemporary muralism, having his works recognized beyond the European frontiers.”
— Justkids
[Link to Source: https://justkids.art/artists/category/mantra]
Lakwena (IG: @lakwena)
Based in London, Lakwena works with bold, vibrant color palettes and text. Lakwena’s design for Rogers — “I’ll bring you flowers” — is perfectly fitting for an area close to the farmer’s market. Her piece is being installed by local artist, Graham Edwards (IG: @grahamedwardsart). Graham has installed several pieces around Rogers, most recently at the Rogers Activity Center. Lakwena is represented by artists agency, Justkids. Detailed artist bio from Justkids below:
“Lakwena’s iconic, kaleidoscopic work is informed by the use of decoration as a means of communication… Central to her practice are words, used as both images and anchors of meaning, borrowing from the techniques and conventions of traditional sign-writing and contemporary graphic design. With an aesthetic that draws upon her formative years in Addis Ababa, Nairobi and her native London, Lakwena creates bold messages of hope in urban landscapes. Her epic outdoor murals can be seen in diverse cities across the globe...” —Justkids
[Link to Source: https://justkids.art/artists/category/lakwena]
Octavio Logo (IG: @octavio_logo)
Octavio is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Northwest Arkansas. “Originally from Mexico City, Octavio’s artwork explores a wide range of topics and techniques, including graphic novels and printmaking, painting, bookbinding, mural, sculpture, and installation (Artists360).” His artwork in Railyard Park reflects his multidisciplinary style — Octavio plans to incorporate structural elements to his tower. Octavio is working with Modus Studio (@modusstudio) out of Northwest Arkansas. Local artist Jason Jones (IG: @artistjasonjones) is assisting with installation.
Process
Artist installation began Friday, November, 6 and will be completed later this week. Railyard Park is expected to open to the public in the Spring of 2021.
Project Information
The Railyard Park “WaterStop” arts project aims to capitalize on the growing arts tourism sector in Northwest Arkansas, reflect a thriving local culture, and boost economic activity in downtown Rogers. This public art project has already created an increase in foot-traffic and interest in other downtown initiatives among community and visitors alike. At a time when public health and safety is a concern, public art provides safe opportunities for everyone to engage in arts experiences.
A Call for Artists was released in April soliciting proposals for Railyard Park’s “WaterStop” feature. The Rogers Public Art Commission received over 50 responses to the call from a number of high-quality local, national, and international applicants. “It’s simply amazing to have such talent respond to our call. I’m incredibly excited to bring such vibrancy and beauty to an already special downtown Rogers,” said Kelli Roberts, Chairwoman of the Rogers Public Art Commission.
There are more public art projects in Rogers’s future. Artist Requests for Qualifications will be published on the City of Rogers Arts & Culture page.
Additional Imagery Available Here Please notify the City before publishing by
emailing [email protected] with the intended image name.
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