Bright, bold hand-painted murals emerge unexpectedly from otherwise neglected side streets, breathing new life into fading corners of the city. Moments of urban change are recorded on impermanent public structures, making explicit the transience of life and of art. A derelict building is reclaimed by nature and new developments under construction are depicted in paint on canvas. A cycle of doing, creating, building, undoing, destruction and deconstruction is emphasised through the use of more overtly mechanical forms of motion capture (time-lapse and stop motion animation). And all the while, the absence of people further amplifies the impact of their presence.

This is the work of visual artist Jo Peel. Describing her practice, Jo says:

“The central theme in my work is Urban Regeneration. The topic has continued to engage me over the last 15 years. I explore gentrification and the interplay between the man-made and natural world. Capturing moments within cities, I observe the human footprint and record how it is now.” 

This website provides a catalogue of Jo Peel’s work to date. For the latest news and updates, subscribe to Jo’s newsletter below.