Almaty Mural by British Artist Removed During Building Repairs
Photo: Threads @mae_diar
Almaty residents have been voicing their anger on social media after a well-known mural by British artist Dan Kitchener was removed from a building at 245 Nazarbayev Avenue. Kitchener painted the work in 2018.
Kitchener said he was deeply saddened to see the mural gone.
I loved the piece and was proud of it. It was my first and only trip to Kazakhstan and Almaty. It is a wonderful place, and I had a wonderful time there. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. It was a great honor to paint a mural in such a prominent location, right on a busy intersection. I am genuinely sad that the mural — my artwork — is now gone.
Kitchener nevertheless said he would be happy to return to Almaty and create another work.
I hope it would be something people would enjoy seeing. I had a wonderful time and have great affection for the people of Kazakhstan and Almaty. Of course, it is sad that the mural is gone, but perhaps something new could come out of this.
The Bostandyk District Akimat said the mural was removed during renovation work on the facades of several apartment buildings.
Before the work began, the facade was inspected and numerous defects were found, including loose plaster, cracks, bulging sections, damaged finishes and deterioration of the outer coating.
The akimat also released photographs showing the condition of the facade.
Officials said residents had been consulted before the renovation began and that their approval was recorded in the meeting minutes.
The defects posed a potential danger to residents and pedestrians because parts of the facade could collapse. They also affected the appearance of the building and the surrounding urban environment.
Despite the explanation, Almaty residents continue to criticize the decision on social media, describing the mural as one of the city’s most beloved works of street art.
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