MUQY: Hixxy
The fourth mural in line for the town has come ‘Rolling into Town’ – at a prominent Gover Lane location. Created by Josephine Hicks (aka Hixxy), who has collated in-depth archival information from a broad range of local sources to inspire and inform her location-sensitive piece in Newquay.
FIVE KEY FACTS
Artist: Hixxy – Joseph Hicks
Where: Unity Building, Gover Lane
What: Rolling into Town – Symbolises the arriving tourists during peak summer months
Style: Colour, energy
Produced by: Slapdash Studio
Keep reading to find out more…..
The Inspiration
Produced by Slapdash Studio and painted by Hixxy.
‘Rolling into town’
The unique visual style of the mural will leave audiences with space to form their own narratives. With a focus on the ebb and flow of tourism in Newquay, it features elements such as RNLI lifeguards, hospitality workers, dog walkers and traffic wardens, all brought to life with a unique, larger-than-life, bright and bouncy style and aesthetic.
The Artist
Created by renowned large-scale mural artist and designer, Josephine Hicks (aka Hixxy), this vibrant, surrealist design will be a creative depiction of local stories and themes. Best known for her dynamic murals (often referred to as ‘Left Field Tutti-Fruity’ in appearance), Hixxy has an impressive portfolio, including collaborations with major brands like Clarks and Bombay Sapphire.
The Process
Over sized bouncing beach balls making there way to the beach symbolizes the arriving tourists during the peak summer months, they bring colour, energy and money to the area.
At the same time it can feel overwhelming and invasive to the locals. The mural aims to depict both perspectives.
From the Artist
As written by Josephine Hicks – @hixxy
“Before visiting Newquay, the only thing I really knew was that it was the most popular resort town in Cornwall; Associated with surf lovers, family holidays and good time vibes. I wondered how the town copes with the doubling in population? The ebb and flow of ‘off season to peak season’.
Over sized bouncing plastic beach balls stacked high, rolling down the hill symbolises the arriving tourists of the next summer months. They bring colour, energy and money to the area.
At the same time does, how does it feel for the local residents? Perhaps overwhelming and invasive at times? Characters depicted interacting throughout the piece include a waiter, ice cream seller, local dog walker, Lifeguard, young boy and traffic warden.”
“We are often asked when the next mural is coming to town so we are so excited to officially announce and confirm its arrival. The previous murals generated a palpable buzz and we anticipate this will do the same. We don’t want to give too much away, but we can say it will be a striking piece that speaks to the locals, whilst providing a fun and colourful lift to the street. Just like the others, it will be thought provoking with depth and place-specific meaning. We have exciting plans for MUQY, with more sites set to launch in 2025, and we look forward to continuing to build on this legacy.“
Mark Warren, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) Manager
