A GRAPHIC artist who has previously worked for the likes of Coca-Cola and Nike has created a mural at an empty shop unit in Oxford.

Chipping Norton-born Luke Embden started the mural in George Street on Monday and was putting together the finishing touches yesterday evening.

He was hired for the task by Fusion Arts, an Oxford-based arts charity, which connects artists with communities.

See also: Two special family birthdays for the ‘daisy chain’

“Fusion Arts put a call out for artists to create a mural piece to illustrate and emphasise social distancing and other guidelines, and make something really fun,” Mr Embden said.

“I was informed of the opportunity and straight away got in touch as Oxford’s a place I’ve spent a lot of time over the years so I was keen to do it.

“It’s pop art inspired with lots of punchy colours, and wordplays and references to the city, but I’ve also tried to include things that weren’t obvious.

Witney Gazette:

“I wanted to do something that was out there, and loud and playful.

“Oxford to me still feels very quiet and I wanted to bring a bit of colour to the city.”

The mural is about 10 metres long and covers the whole shop window of the former luggage store, Solutions.

George Street is currently pedestrianised with outside tables for eating and drinking, and Mr Embden said pub and restaurant customers have regularly asked about and given plenty of positive feedback on the mural.

Read more: Plan to pedestrianise Walton Street moves forward

Mr Embden, who is predominantly based in Berlin and London, produced a similar piece in his hometown earlier in the pandemic.

In June, he completed a mural at the former site of the department store Beales.

To see more of his work, visit: lukeembden.co.uk