Black Light Eye Graffiti Mural Commission for BBC Panorama

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Black Light Eye Commission Overview

Client: BBC Panorama
Location: United Kingdom (UK)
Theme: Digital Surveillance / Eye Graffiti / CCTV / Binary Code / Black Light Reactive Art
Dimensions: Approx. 6m x 2m
Paint Duration: 1 day shooting on location (approx. 4 hours paint time total)
Materials: Montana Black INFRA range & Montana Gold Flouro (specialist black light reactive spray paint), Montana Gold and Montana Black standard colour (non-fluorescent) spray paints, a variety of spray can caps
Objective: To create a large-scale black light-reactive graffiti mural for BBC Panorama episode focusing on the impact of surveillance in the digital age.

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Introduction: Digital Sp-eyeballs

In 2021, I had the exciting opportunity to be part of a significant project, I was commissioned to create a black light-reactive graffiti mural for BBC Panorama, the world’s longest-running current affairs programme. My art (and shots of me painting the mural) were featured as a series of cut-away segments in the episode “Amazon: What They Know About Us,” this mural was more than just art; it symbolised a pressing issue in the modern age: surveillance and digital data misuse.

This episode is available for viewing on the BBC’s website here, offering an important perspective on how corporations track and monitor personal data. The mural I painted is a visual representation of this growing concern, a watchful eye in the age of constant surveillance.

The Commission

As a graffiti and street artist, I frequently receive commissions for bespoke murals, but this one was particularly significant. The black light eye graffiti mural was designed to reflect the themes of the episode and to convey the idea of constant surveillance in a digital age. The artwork featured a huge looming stylized eye, with binary code and digital swirls glowing with vibrant UV-reactive paints, symbolising the all-seeing nature of modern surveillance systems.

The client reached out to me with a clear vision: to create a powerful, black light graffiti mural that would tie into the overall narrative of the BBC Panorama episode. After some back-and-forth discussion, we agreed on the core concept, size, and placement of the mural, which was then installed in a prominent location.

To ensure the design aligned perfectly with the client’s vision, I prepared a number of digital mock-ups. This gave the client a clear preview of the mural, allowing them to provide input and make adjustments before finalising the concept. It was essential for me to incorporate their ideas, ensuring the final visual captured both their message and the essence of the BBC Panorama theme.

The Creative Process Behind the Mural

Creating a black light graffiti mural is a unique challenge, as it requires UV-reactive paints that only reveal their full brilliance under black light. For this commission, it was essential that the mural be visually compelling both in normal light and under UV lighting. The big reveal was a key element of the project, the mural needed to look striking without the UV light, but also to showcase the moment I turned on the black light after completion, creating a dramatic transformation and revealing the mural’s true glowing impact.

Step-by-Step Process:

Planning the Design: I began by sketching out the eye graffiti design creating a series of digital mock-ups. The eye itself was symbolic of the concept of “watching”, a metaphor for both human observation and digital tracking. The client wanted the image to not only be impactful but also subtle, leaving room for interpretation.
Using UV-reactive Paints: To achieve the desired effect, I used a combination of Montana Gold Flouro and Montana Black INFRA paints, both UV-reactive and capable of glowing under black light. This allowed the artwork to stand out in a regular light setting while taking on a whole new life when exposed to black light.
Painting Layers: The mural involved two distinct layers the first layer used regular spray paints for daytime visibility, and the second layer of UV-reactive paint made the mural come alive when illuminated by black light. This dual-layer technique ensured the artwork was visually dynamic in all lighting conditions.
Filming On Location: I was filmed live as I painted the mural on location. This on-site filming played a crucial role in capturing the final footage, which was featured in the cut-away segments of the BBC Panorama episode.

Why This Mural Matters

The black light eye graffiti mural not only serves as an art piece but also as a statement on the growing concerns of surveillance in today’s world. It was featured on BBC Panorama, a program known for its in-depth exploration of critical societal issues. The mural was designed to be more than just visually stimulating, it serves as a poignant commentary on how we live under constant surveillance, both online and offline.

With the rise of big data and digital surveillance, it’s more important than ever to reflect on how much information is being collected about us without our full understanding. This black light graffiti mural brings these issues into the light, literally and figuratively, offering a thought-provoking reminder of the need to be aware of what we are willingly or unknowingly giving up in our daily lives.

The Symbolism Behind the Design

The central theme of the black light mural is the eye, a symbol of both watchfulness and digital tracking. The eye, designed in a vibrant neon style, glows under UV light, further emphasizing the theme of surveillance. Other elements of the design include:

Digital motifs: The glowing circuits and code-like patterns on the eye represent the flow of data through digital systems and your sensitive data being surveyed and captured for future targeting.
Urban street art style: The graffiti style of the mural connects the artwork to its roots in street culture, often associated with rebellion and challenging authority, fitting for a piece about surveillance.

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

This commission for BBC Panorama marked an exciting milestone in my artistic journey. Not only did I get the opportunity to showcase my black light graffiti art on a global platform, but I also had the chance to contribute visually to a discussion that’s crucial in today’s digital age.

If you’re interested in commissioning your own custom graffiti mural or black light art, I can help bring your vision to life whether it’s for your business, home, or public space. Whether you’re looking for something impactful for your brand or an art piece that reflects your unique style, I’m here to create something unforgettable.