WANDSWORTH MURAL CHARACTERS STEP OFF THE WALL AND INTO THE COMMUNITY

October 29, 2025 NewsDesk art workshops, Artist, Centre Director, community art, community creativity, diversity, family events London, Invesco Real Estate, Landsec, local culture, London art trail, London artists, mural, public art, Ruki Chuki, sculpture trail, Shannon Reed, South London art, Southside Shopping Centre, Southside Shopping Centre Ruki Chuki, things to do in Wandsworth, UK artists, Wandsworth

A year after its vibrant mural transformed Southside Shopping Centre’s West entrance, Wandsworth’s artistic heartbeat continues to grow stronger. The centre is once again joining forces with local artist Ruki Chuki to unveil a new community art trail – six life-sized sculptural totems inspired by the mural’s beloved characters.

Mural Characters Come to Life at Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth, South London

Launching on 10 November, the installation extends the mural’s visual story into a tactile experience for visitors, celebrating Wandsworth’s diversity, energy, and creative spirit. The totems, displayed throughout the central mall, each represent a different aspect of the borough’s community – from connection and love to creativity and resilience.

Shannon Reed, Centre Director at Southside Shopping Centre, said: “The mural truly reflects the spirit of our community. Over the past year, it has become a symbol of Wandsworth’s warmth, creativity and diversity. We’re thrilled to be working with Ruki Chuki again to extend that story inside the centre, creating an interactive experience where visitors can engage with the characters and celebrate what makes Wandsworth such a special place to live, work, and visit.”

Each totem carries its own short narrative, revealing the story and inspiration behind its design. In Ruki Chuki’s distinctive style – marked by bold colours and expressive lines – the sculptures invite visitors to explore the people and values that give Wandsworth its unique identity.

To mark the one-year anniversary of the unveiling of a huge mural which transformed its West entrance, Southside Shopping Centre is once again teaming up with Wandsworth-based artist Ruki Chuki to bring the mural’s beloved characters to life through a new community trail and a series of free art workshops this November.

To bring the project even closer to the community, the artist will host a series of free art workshops on 15 and 16 November, giving residents of all ages the chance to design their own characters and express their personal stories. The one-hour sessions, running at 11am, 12pm and 1pm each day, will be held at Southside and can be booked in advance on Eventbrite.

Ruki Chuki said: “Each character in the mural was inspired by real people and stories from Wandsworth. I’m very happy to see these characters even closer to the people of Wandsworth. I also believe their stories can inspire us – reminding everyone that every story is welcome here.”

Ruki, who moved from North Macedonia to Wandsworth nine years ago, has become one of the borough’s most recognisable creative voices. Her work combines fine art, illustration and street art influences, reflecting her own journey through motherhood and multicultural life in London. Her mural at Southside was originally commissioned in 2024 after she won a public art competition launched by Landsec and Invesco Real Estate, the centre’s owners.

As Southside prepares to unveil the new installation, the project reinforces the powerful role that public art plays in connecting communities – not just to observe, but to take part.

Shannon Reed added: “Ruki’s free workshops are a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to design their own character and share their personal story with the local community. We encourage everyone to sign up, get involved, and leave feeling inspired, welcomed, and part of the ongoing story of Wandsworth.”

More information about the community trail and workshop registration is available at www.southsidewandsworth.com.

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