11 Feb 2024

Regional Wrap: Winton with Deow of South Sea Spray Festival 

From Culture 101, 1:25 pm on 11 February 2024

Dcypher's work in Winton at the South Sea Spray festival

Dcypher's work in Winton at the South Sea Spray festival Photo: supplied

Every week Culture 101 heads to a creative correspondent out around the motu to gauge the cultural pulse of Aotearoa’s regions. 

This week: Māori know it as Murihiku, “the last joint of the tail” but our southernmost graffiti artist Deow’s mission is to bring big painterly life to the walls of Southland’s towns. 

Deow heads the South Sea Spray festival, bringing leading Aotearoa street artists to the region. This month, at least 13 artists have been visiting the central South Island town of Winton, making quite the splash. 

Deow in Winton at the South Sea Spray festival

Deow in Winton Photo: supplied

Since 2018, South Sea Spray has been to Riverton, Bluff, Core, and Invercargill.  Each festival involves widespread community involvement. 

In recent years, Deow has been living and painting both in Southern California and the deep south.

Kell Sunshine in Winton at the South Sea Spray festival

Kell Sunshine in Winton at the South Sea Spray festival Photo: supplied