For inspiration in creating her stunning Nuart Aberdeen mural on Union Point, Hera of Herakut (Jasmin Siddiqui) didn’t have to look too far.
Because the gifted artist turned to Scotland and our national animal, the unicorn, as the springboard for her visionary piece that can already be seen from miles around Aberdeen.
We caught up with Hera as she took a break from working high above the harbour on her mural of a girl – who she is calling Abby – and her unicorn. It is still a work in progress and Hera still has to add finishing touches including some meaningful words.
She explained more about her intent behind the piece and how she felt when her iconic mural on Aberdeen Market was lost to the wrecker’s ball.
Hera of Herakut (Jasmin Siddiqui) with her mural at Union Point. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Hera is one of 11 internationally-acclaimed artists who will be transforming walls and public spaces across the city over the course of this week ahead of the Nuart Aberdeen festival weekend, running from Thursday, 6th June, to Sunday, 9th June.
As well as the artworks, the festival - staged by Aberdeen Inspired in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and delivered by Reed Projects - will boast the Nuart Plus strand. This includes:
- A major conference of leading street art experts and academics from across the globe.
- Inspired Nights which will see Shiprow become a hub of food, drink, live entertainment and family-friendly fun
- Chalk Don’t Chalk where families can create the world’s largest chalk mural at Marischal College Quad
- The return of the hugely popular street art walking tours on Saturday and Sunday taking in some of the new works for 2024
Hera of Herakut's mural at Union Point can be seen from Talisman House on Holburn Street. Image - Courtesy of Jack Strachan