Responsible for creating over 150 public artworks, his most famous mural, For All Liverpool’s Liver Birds has proved to be a particular high point in his career to date, creating a popular tourist landmark for the city and attracting attention from all corners of the globe.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits the Wings mural in February, 2019
As well as interviewing him for the 2021 edition of Alumni magazine, the University of Liverpool commissioned Paul to create an original artwork for the magazine’s cover, based around Paul’s most famous creation.
When asked what inspired him to create his new work, Strength, Hope and Recovery Paul said: "The painting tries to sum up 2020. Last year was a pretty dark year and many people have suffered. But undoubtedly, we've seen heroes emerge from that darkness, in particular, the NHS staff on the frontline.”
In the painting, the nurse represents those heroes. She is kneeling (a reference to another strong image from 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement), head bowed but undoubtedly in a posture of strength rather than defeat. Paul explains, “I tried to position her so that she appears as though she is ready to take off. The wings have broken free of the wall [which] is symbolic of lockdown, and are now part of her. Together they represent recovery and hope.”
“People often tell me that For all Liverpool's Liver Birds gives them hope and positivity. They link the image with their loved ones, so hopefully many people will feel a personal connection to the piece."
Auction
At Paul’s request the painting will be auctioned next year in aid of Alder Hey hospital. The University is discussing plans to display the painting in the city, after which the painting will be donated to Alder Hey. The hospital’s fundraising team are currently in the planning stages of an art exhibition event that will take place in Spring 2022, at which the painting will be auctioned.
The University will send out more information about the auction later this year, once details are available. Please look out for further news in the alumni e-newsletter and on our social media channels. To make sure you don’t miss out, make sure your details are up to date. Or follow us at @LivUniAlumni on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
People often tell me that ‘For all Liverpool's Liver Birds’ gives them hope and positivity. They link the image with their loved ones, so hopefully many people will feel a personal connection to the piece.
Paul Curtis
Back to: Alumni magazine