A street artist in Peterborough has restored his powerful unity mural depicting two hands in a fist bump after it was vandalized with graffiti earlier this year. Nathan Murdoch, 39, from the organization Street Arts Hire, originally painted the artwork in 2020 on the wall of an underpass near Bourges Boulevard to convey a message of "mutual respect" and unity.
The mural, which was commissioned by Diaspora Arts and Education Charity, is located in an underpass between Taveners Road and Bourges Boulevard in Peterborough. Murdoch said he was deeply upset when the artwork was defaced, particularly because he knew some of the individuals responsible for the vandalism. "I was upset with the defacing. It is more upsetting because I knew some of them who did it and it might be something against me that they have got and not the actual message," Murdoch explained.
The artist emphasized the importance of his work in promoting unity across diverse communities. "I have got friends from such diverse backgrounds. So this fist pump artwork fits perfectly as a mutual sign of respect, a form of communication," he said. Murdoch reflected on how his perspective on racism has evolved over time, noting, "I had reached a point in life where I thought racism could end at some point... but sadly I don't think that now."
Murdoch's decision to restore the mural comes at a time of heightened social tension in the area. Recently, two anti-immigration protests and counter-protests took place outside the Dragonfly Hotel in Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough, which currently houses asylum seekers. The artist believes his work is particularly relevant during what he calls "a strange time in the world right where misinformation is fuelling division."
The street artist has created several pieces of public art around Peterborough to symbolize unity, including a love heart artwork on Taverners Road that received global recognition following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Murdoch, who grew up on a council estate in Peterborough, admits he was previously exposed to "racist opinions" but changed his views through life experiences and meeting people from different backgrounds.
"My life is based on experiences I have lived with people and not what I have heard or read about in the media or on the internet," Murdoch explained. He believes that "miseducation and lack of life experiences is the problem" when it comes to racial division and hopes his artwork can help change people's negative perspectives.
Murdoch approaches his work with an open-minded philosophy, stating, "For me everything is a conversation. If someone feels a certain way I am willing to listen even if I think it's wrong, but then I expect them to listen to me at the same time." He finds deep personal satisfaction in his mission to promote unity through art, saying, "It gives me a more enjoyable experience compared to any financial reward I have had."
The artist remains optimistic about the impact of his work, believing that making a difference in even one person's life makes the effort worthwhile. "As I grew older I believe if you make a difference to one person's life - if it has changed the perspective of one person, it's worth a go," he said. "I feel like this is what I was meant to do the skill I have I should use it to bring people together and help break down barriers."
