Artist behind Marcus Rashford and Ian Curtis murals in Manchester reveals special meaning of latest piece

The artist behind a new mural in Manchester has revealed who the work represents. The artwork shows Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, who was recently named GQ Middle East’s ‘man of the year’ for his work covering the war in Gaza. 

The work was created by Manchester based artist Akse after being commissioned by business owner Ali Yousef. It is on the side of Nurbhai & Co Accountants on Mauldeth Road, a space which has been used for work in the past by the artist.  The mural was posted on the Akse P19 Instagram page. In the caption, the artist paid tribute to the journalists covering the conflict.

It reads: “Portrait of Motaz Azaiza, photo-journalist in Gaza, painted in Burnage Manchester in collaboration with Baity Palestinian Kitchen. Over 80 journalists and some of their corresponding families have been killed over the last two months in Gaza, which is the deadliest period for journalists covering conflicts since CPJ records began in 1992. This mural is dedicated to all journalists reporting from Gaza right now.” 

Akse has been responsible for many murals around Manchester. Other notable works include the mural of Marcus Rashford and a work of Ian Curtis, which is on the side of the Star & Garter pub in Manchester.