World tour to deter graffiti in Gisborne

German mural artist Marcus Berndt is taking Gisbornites on a tour of the world to beautify our city and deter graffiti. He is painting a mural on the toilet block in Churchill Park that depicts scenes from around the world. He is volunteering his time and talent because he has a 'crush on this medium'. "Spray cans are what I like to work with best. I enjoy bringing a bit of colour to functional grey areas' Mr Berndt said.

Council's community facilities manager Terry McMillian said Marcus's work is of a high standard and makes our open spaces more interesting. He is happy to volunteer his time and council is just providing the spray cans."

Originally from Dresden in Germany, Mr Berndt has been in New Zealand 4 years and Gisborne 12 months. "I used to do these murals at home but after my friend died a few years ago I stopped painting completely. I have only just recently started again and have now completed a mural on the train shed at the Adventure Playground and another couple at Sessions Bar. There are heaps of murals around my home town. Tagging and graffiti are reduced because of respect for the artists creating the murals.

The idea for this mural which wraps around the toilet block came from a song by a hip hop band back home called Massive Tones. Their lyrics say 'turn the globe and point your finger. Let your dreams inspire you'. Hopefully this mural will inspire people even if they can't afford a round-the-world airline ticket." Mr Berndt added