Reuben is an art historian, writer and curator. His PhD thesis explored graffiti and street art within post-earthquake Christchurch. He also serves as creative director and lead tour guide for Watch This Space.
Your work appears to be pretty varied! From writing, connecting and promoting the arts, to creating works yourself – what could a day in the life look like for you?
That is the greatest joy of my work – no one day is ever the same! I get to work with a wide range of collaborators on diverse projects – and in a variety of locations. Watch This Space has evolved from a primarily digital platform to a wider role of advocacy and support for urban creativity –which means in a normal day, I might be writing an article for our website or adding works to our online map database, before being onsite for a mural production or installation. I might then host a walking tour exploring our city’s street art or host a workshop. There are also always meetings to build relationships and create new opportunities. At night I work on writing projects and my own creative practice. It is great, but it also means things can get pretty hectic at different times!
What was the catalyst for you taking on the mammoth task of a PhD? Can you tell us a bit about your research?
After completing my undergraduate degree, which I had self-directed towards graffiti and street art, I found myself working outside of the arts. But the Christchurch Earthquakes changed everything, and I resolved to travel and not come back to my old job. Travelling highlighted how urban art had become such an ingrained aspect of cities around the world, and I was interested in what role it would play here in Ōtautahi. What started as a master’s degree, quickly transferred to a PhD. Specifically, my research explored the varied performances of graffiti, street art and independent public art in post-quake Ōtautahi, from transformation and activation to deeper questions of contestation. It was fascinating to me how the story I was following kept evolving as the city changed, highlighting the local narrative as a kind of microcosm of trends elsewhere in some cases. It was very much based on field research, being in the streets and understanding the context in which these works and interventions were created, while also interviewing as many creatives as I could identify – tricky when so many value anonymity! Realistically, my PhD thesis still sustains parts of my career.
You’re Creative Director of Watch This Space – what was the mission behind establishing this charitable trust?
I originally joined Watch This Space as more of a consultant, helping with the questions of authenticity around urban art for what was essentially a digital database. I eventually took on the role of Creative Director as we expanded our mahi into supporting artists as well as documenting work. So many people encounter art in the streets but don’t know how to explore the stories behind it, so we frame Watch This Space as a conduit between art, artist and audience. Additionally, we want to help artists explore new pathways and tell their stories, opening new doors where possible. We work to celebrate the impact of art in the streets, to evolve the discourse around it and to see the city in new ways as a site for creative expression and experimentation.
Ōtautahi Christchurch has been through a lot and is only growing as a city – what excites you about living and creating here?
I guess I have seen and felt the change because I was born and raised here. Like most people, I grew up always thinking I would leave. But the change and challenges the city has been through has made it a fascinating site for my work, while also ensuring that perceptions of Ōtautahi have evolved as well. There was a sense that we each could make a difference through the post-quake recovery, no matter how small the gesture, and art was a great example of that truth. That has made a stronger connection to the city for many, an investment that runs deep.
What highlights or memories stand out when you look back at your time at UC?
It was the ability to explore the things that were important to me that is most meaningful – from my lecturers to my supervisors, I was always encouraged and supported. I also value the embrace of urban art as a field of inquiry. As an undergraduate, it was hard enough to find resources on the topic in the library, I would never have guessed I would one day be asked to guest lecture about graffiti and street art – I love that evolution!
.jpg)
.jpg)
