Mural dedicated to Latin American community unveiled in Elephant and Castle

A mural dedicated to the Latin American community has today been unveiled as part of the capital’s biggest celebration of street art.

The striking artwork, created by Lewisham based artist, Courtney Richards, 29, is located in Castle Square next to Get Living’s Elephant Central neighbourhood.

The mural features illustrations of native Latin American flowers, including Orchids, Heliconias, and Hibiscus.

Ms Richards, whose artist name is Cee, draws inspiration from her decade-long career in graffiti and illustration across South London, after graduating from Camberwell College of the Arts in 2018.

She said: “In my design, I have used my bold and graphic style to re-imagine flowers from Latin America. 

“My choice of colour was directly influenced by the bold colours used for hand-painted shop signage across the region. 

“It was important for me to bring a sense of vibrancy into the mural to represent the people of Elephant and Castle, who have helped to shape its rich and colourful past, present and future.”

Latin Americans make up 10 per cent of Southwark’s population, many of whom live in or near Elephant and Castle, which has become a cultural hub for Latin American residents in London.

The mural symbolises the influence of Latin American culture in the area.

Commissioned by build-to-rent operator, Get Living, in collaboration with Global Street Art, the project forms part of the London Mural Festival.

Jane Reeves, regional director at Get Living, said: “We are proud to collaborate with talented local artists like Cee and organisations such as Global Street Art to help support the cultural fabric of our neighbourhoods. 

“Through projects like this, we aim to create vibrant, engaging spaces that nurture connections, reinforce local identity, and foster a sense of togetherness.”

The London Mural Festival, running until September 29, will see 100 murals unveiled across 15 boroughs, with a central theme of Connection. 

Murals unveiled this month will join the 75 works produced for the festivals inaugural edition in 2020. 

For more information, visit: https://www.londonmuralfestival.com/

Pictured top: Courtney Richards, aka Cee, with the mural which was unveiled today (Picture: Get Living)