We sat down with Wandsworth artist and mum Ruki Chuki to discuss her latest masterpiece at Southside Shopping Centre.
Hey Ruki, tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello! I am Ruki, a designer and illustrator from North Macedonia, currently living in Wandsworth.
How did you get involved with the mural project at Southside?
Some friends shared the open call with me via Instagram and, to be honest, I was very sceptical about it because I’ve never applied for an open call before. But, somehow, I encouraged myself to go for it.
I already had some ideas about the concept and with a bit of extra help organising my timeline, I managed to prepare my presentation and submit it on time.
What inspired your design?
Since moving to London almost 10 years ago, I’ve noticed how much time we spend around local benches. It’s funny; meeting with friends, waiting for someone, reading a book, or just finding a quiet moment – especially when my little one was a baby. As I started analysing the bench as a common object, I fell in love with the idea.
Seeing the ‘Bench of Love’ in my daughter’s schoolyard was the cherry on top, and inspired me to create my illustration – The Bench of Love – dedicated to and inspired by our community.
How long did the mural take to complete?
This project was challenging because it was my first time creating a mural of this size. The project management side was a bit tiring, but once that was settled the “easy” part of painting the wall began.
A friend helped me sketch the piece on the wall, which made the progress much smoother. I won’t lie; the hardest part for me was being up on the lift, as I’m afraid of heights! I worked non-stop for 2-3 days, trying to catch the good British weather.
What has the response been?
The response has been fantastic. I was very positively surprised by the reactions from the older generation, who shared that it brightens their day when they pass by on their way to shop. That alone made it all worthwhile.
What’s your favourite thing about Wandsworth Town?
I love our community here. Everything you need is close by in one place; it’s central yet a bit tucked away. I love that it offers opportunities for change, and I feel that it’s evolving in a positive way.
You can see Ruki Chuki’s vibrant mural at Southside Shopping Centre, on Neville Gill Close.
