Introducing Southside's Mural Competition Winner

Southside's new mural artist has officially been named as Ruki Chuki!

Earlier this year, Southside put out a call for a Wandsworth-based artist to help design and deliver a new mural to turn our West Entrance into a community-curated masterpiece. 

Competition entrants were asked to design a mural that would reflect a clear connection to the character and soul of the area and help turn the centre's busy West Entrance into a vibrant, colourful and welcoming space for local residents and guests to enjoy and artist Ruki has now been named as the winner of the competition.

Hailing from North Macedonia, 38-year-old Ruki has lived in Wandsworth for eight years with her husband and children, and has grown to appreciate how welcoming the culture and spirit is within the community, and that the borough is such a family-friendly place.

Having always dreamt of being an artist, Ruki attended art school in North Macedonia, and studied fine art and graphic design before being introduced to graffiti and illustration. For Ruki, art has always been a way to express herself, and to document important moments in her life, whether that be during her youth, moving countries, or documenting her journey to motherhood, and her experience of living in London. 

The winning mural features bright colours which portray the vibrancy and diversity in the community, demonstrating not just the array of different cultures and backgrounds but also so many characters in one person. It also demonstrates how love transcends communities and connects different people no matter their background.

“I am delighted to have won Southside’s competition to design their new mural," Ruki commented.

“My art has always been a way for me to channel my thoughts and emotions and to document important moments in my life, whether it be my journey to motherhood and my relationship with my body or what it is like to live in London. Winning this competition has been a real confidence boost, especially as it was my first time applying for an open call like this. I’m really thankful for the opportunity and the chance to get my name out there and showcase more of my work within the local community. 

“I’m excited to get underway with painting the mural and can’t wait to see it in place!”