A GIANT mural of an almost naked Roman god will appear at the site of a huge city centre development.
At ten metres high, the artwork of Neptune, god of the sea, will be one of Brighton’s biggest murals and looks set to become a meeting point, as well as a tourist attraction.
Renowned artist Cosmo revealed his design, which will be unveiled at the Edward Street Quarter in Brighton, in a time lapse video where he discusses the challenges of creating an oil-style painting on an epic scale.
Project developer First Base and Brighton and Hove City Council commissioned the classically-trained painter to create the vibrant piece of street art following a competitive selection process.
Cosmo, who lives in Hanover, said: “Brighton started off as a fishing village hundreds of years ago and this area was once a thriving hub for the fishing industry. Part of the brief was to showcase its heritage.
“As well as marking the entrance to Edward Street Quarter, I hope this classical god of the sea creates an iconic image for Brighton.
“It’s been a very exciting process because, while I’m known for large scale murals, I’m also known for my oil paintings. I don’t think creating a mural on this scale in the style of an oil painting has ever been done before. I’m looking forward to seeing how the brushwork translates onto a larger canvas.”
The time lapse video reveals a smaller version of Neptune, which will soon be printed on ceramic tiles and mounted on to laser-cut steel.
The mural will then be installed on an exterior wall at Edward Street Quarter - a mixed-use development under construction on the site of the former Amex house site.
A total of 37 artists put themselves forward for the job, but Cosmo was set apart by his experience creating large-scale urban artworks and his distinctive style – dubbed “classic with a twist.”
Cosmo created the hand painted the Angel of Brighton mural, a three-story fresco, which depicts a winged woman rising from the ashes against a glittering gold background in the North Laine.
Neptune will join Cosmo’s latest cackling seagulls mural at Brighton Palace Pier which is also ten metres high and features two seagulls with human bodies in striped blue and white deckchairs, laughing and holding hands.
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Steve Eccles, project director at First Base, said: “Brighton is well known for its street art culture and we hope Neptune will be part of the fascinating tours of the city’s best outdoor art.
“We also predict Neptune will soon become a local landmark and an easy place for people to meet locally - he will definitely stand out in a crowd. We can’t wait for the big unveil later this year.
“Edward Street Quarter will be home to creative and digital businesses, residents and cafes and shops, so this beautiful piece of art will add to the vibrancy of the development.”
Cosmo was internationally celebrated in 2013 for his giant mural of "Breakdancing Jesus" which he painted opposite Banksy’s Mild, Mild West in Bristol.
As a freelance scenic artist, Cosmo’s artwork can also be spotted in blockbuster films including Dumbo, The Favourite, The Avengers – Age of Ultron, Guardians of the Galaxy and Tomb Raider.
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