Anticipation is building for the Canadian National BMX Championships arrival in St. Albert on August 23 and 24.
As part of preliminary preparations, the City of St. Albert commissioned a large-scale mural through Public Arts. Kerzeka was the successful duo chosen to paint a mural on the starting hill of the BMX Track in Riel Recreation Park.
Based out of Calgary, Kerzeka is a dynamic artistic duo, Kerz and Zeka, with a passion for muralism and street art. With an instinctual ability to smoothly blend their styles, they create art that is balanced between abstract street art and realism.
Tiziano (Kerz) was born in Rome and has lived in Canada for more than 10 years. His style is inspired by professional graffiti art. He automatically draws inspiration from his European heritage as well as abstract forms, technology, and urban street art.
Desiree (Zeka) is a Canadian artist who pursues a style described as abstract realism. She composes her images by studying nature, shapes, and lighting. She often depicts portraits, calligraphy, and animals in her murals. Her paintings guide the viewer’s eye towards specific realistic or impressionistic focal points that underscore depth and narrative.
“Their street style aesthetic mixed with traditional pairings is ideal for our space. When you drive through Riel, you will be able to see a vibrant mural that stands out. Their artwork is quite astounding,” said Jacilyn Blackwood, City of St. Albert visual arts coordinator.
The city received 43 submissions from across Alberta. However, not all generated the same vibe that a selection committee was looking for.
“We wanted the mural to evoke the same type of energy BMX evokes for riders. We weren’t looking for something with pastels, but something that showed dynamic energy flowing through movement, colour, graffiti, and words,” Blackwood said.
She added Kerzeka submitted 10 images of past street-style murals that checked all the boxes – adventurous imagery, flamboyant colours and striking subject matter.
As Kerzeka’s first act, the duo is visiting the city’s BMX Track in Riel Recreation Park on Thursday, June 5. It’s an opportunity for the duo to study their canvas as well as meet locals and learn what makes St. Albert special to residents.
“You can learn to spray paint a mural and share what you love about sports and the area. And we hope the artists take that information back and run with it.”
The community engagement evening on June 5 runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A BMX Race starts at 7 p.m.
“We really encourage folks to come down to the event. It’s a great event and encourages a sense of ownership.”
Kerzeka returns late June to spray paint the mural and cover the top with an anti-graffiti coating. The mural is expected to be finished by late July.
