Artists bring fresh colour to city's back lanes

Artist Mark Shields has created a piece looking at how people connect with nature

Outdoor artwork has been unveiled in a city centre to celebrate its culture and creativity.

The paintings by local artists are on show in Newcastle city centre as part of the Forth Lane Urban Gallery.

Bethan Harris is one of four artists whose work is being exhibited, focusing on the theme "Pleasure Garden".

Harris said her work was inspired by the landscapes of Northumberland, which had always been a "source of creativity" for her.

"There's a raw, untamed beauty there that speaks to a more instinctive, sensory connection with nature," she said.

The gallery's theme was chosen as a nod to Forth Lane's history as a walkway to The Forth, which was once a popular green space used for community gathering.

Artists 'enrich' city

Bex Masters, a gilder and oil painter, is among those whose work is being displayed.

She said her mural explored the pleasure garden theme "through the eyes and hands of a person of colour".

Graffiti artist Mark Shields, known as Mark One87, has also produced a piece featuring a grey woman who is covered by green leaves and insects.

He said the piece explored people's need to connect with nature.

Meanwhile, Josie Brookes worked with students from Newcastle College to create a work celebrating the voices of young artists.

In Pink Lane, Millie Avis helped created murals designed to help people find their way to cultural venues such as Newcastle Arts Centre, The Black Swan, and the Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

Newcastle City Council's Abdul Samad, cabinet member for vibrant city, said it was fantastic to see artists shaping and enriching the city centre.

"Projects like this bring people together and show the value of art and creativity in making Newcastle's public spaces welcoming and distinctive," he said.

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