NASARIMBA – Taking Art to the Streets

Jun 18

Jun 18 NASARIMBA – Taking Art to the Streets

Behind the Scenes, Inspiring Stories, AC@Home

Calgary’s artists are passionate and resilient, finding new ways to express and share their art, even in these times of social distancing when galleries and the traditional places where art is shared are closed to the public. Dynamic duo Rachel Ziriada and Mikhail Miller make up the artistic partnership NASARIMBA who were scheduled to display their art in the Ledge Gallery this summer. Both painters and mixed media sculptors by trade, Rachel and Mikhail have taken their talent to the streets painting murals.

“Painting large murals in public is rewarding as it is physical work that requires the use of our whole bodies to complete the task,” says Rachel. “The work is freely viewed by the public making it a very accessible art form.”

Mural painting is not new for NASARIMBA who have been collaborating since 2015. What is relatively new is painting murals on private homes. Their latest project was a commission to paint an entire garage in one beautiful wrapped piece of art.

“People can collectively identify with specific public artworks and gain a sense of pride in where they live. It can bridge the social distancing gap and can help to unite us when we are all a bit separated. As we’re all spending more time at home, there is an opportunity to add colour to these environments and activate walls that are the backdrop to our everyday activities,” says Rachel.

NASARIMBA has always had a passion for public art. Aside from their murals, they’ve also created recycled wood and paint sculptures that have been installed on city telephone poles in Calgary as well as a recent piece in Okotoks entitled Nooks and Crannies.

“Public art has perhaps gained a new importance and relevance during this pandemic as more and more people are adjusting to home life, social distancing and isolation. Art is something that can create a sense of community and can improve the quality of life in a neighbourhood,” says Mikhail. “NASARIMBA welcomes this shift towards more public art in peoples lives and we would like to help make that happen.”