Watch this space - The Kids Round Here…

The Kids Round Here… 

Artist Bols 

Date December 2021 

Location BOXed Quarter, St Asaph Street 

Inside the labyrinthine BOXed Quarter, the evocative words of Bruce Springsteen echo: “The kids round here live just like shadows….” Borrowed from Springsteen’s romantic epic Jungleland (1975), the lyrics provide a fitting sentiment for a space filled with twists, turns, and unexpected surprises (including a growing collection of art on the walls). The phrase is painted directly on the wall by local stencil artist Bols in a scaled-up typewriter font, coming into focus through offset grey shades against a black background, the final layer a stark white. The repetition of the line suggests a cacophony of voices whispering the refrain, building to a unified crescendo. Located on a corner wall behind popular music venue Flux Bar inside the BOXed Quarter, the simple monochromatic composition positions the city as a playground where invisibility can be a valuable power, and the shadows are where the interesting things happen. 

Explore more of Ōtautahi’s urban art on a Watch This Space guided street art tour! Email tours@watchthisspace.org.nz for booking information. 

watchthisspace.org.nz/artwork/1029