Weekender: 3D street art installation unveiled at Brewery Wharf

A new 3D street art installation, thought to be one of the largest of its kind ever produced in the UK, has been unveiled at Brewery Wharf on Leeds city centre’s riverside.

Produced through a technique known as anamorphic, the installation has been created by Leeds-based artist Ralph Replete, who has produced a wide range of artworks throughout the city over the last 20 years.

A video game artist by trade, Replete’s latest work – known as Washing Marine – depicts a deep-sea diver climbing out of a washing machine that is laid on its side.

Replete was commissioned by property group Rushbond PLC, which owns and manages Brewery Wharf.

Georgina Maud, creative lead at Rushbond, said: “This type of 3D, anamorphic street art is an optical illusion that is both mesmerising and addictive to look at.  Ralph has a reputation for creating works that take into consideration the surroundings, communities, and overall characteristics of what makes a place unique.

“He’s previously produced several fantastic large-scale pieces of art in the communal areas of our Crispin Lofts apartment development, which have become a real focal point for residents there, and we’re delighted to collaborate with him again on this latest project.

“This piece of art exposes Ralph’s full potential on a national level and gave him the opportunity to respond to Brewery Wharf as he saw it – the result is a playful take on domesticity in the context of waterside living in the city centre, with a diver coming out of an everyday household appliance. The result transforms a simple wall into an immersive environment with substantial volume.”

Maud added: “It now acts as a marker as part of the growing collective around the South Bank and the inspiring design further helps to strengthen Brewery Wharf’s unique identity as a key waterfront location in Leeds.”

Replete said: “I considered lots of ideas for Brewery Wharf, but the shape of the wall, the surrounding residential apartments and the waterfront, paved the way for Washing Marine.  As far as I’m aware, it’s now the biggest 3D, anamorphic work of its kind anywhere in the UK and I’m delighted with how it looks.”

Brewery Wharf is a mixed-use development and offers apartments, workspaces, a food store and a hotel along with public sculptures set within the streets and spaces.