ZX8BIT: Street artist defends latest work showing Aladdin which was painted onto Grade II-listed building

The newest mural by street art company ZX8BIT has popped up on the back wall of the temple in Stewart Park in Middlesbrough. It shows a pixelated version of Aladdin throwing an apple into the air while holding a sword.

ZX8BIT’s pieces are well-known across Teesside and the artists have even been dubbed as the region’s own Banksy. In Middlesbrough their murals have included Squid Game’s ‘red light green light’ doll on Linthorpe Road, a Ukrainian flag just off Addington Drive, and even Ronald McDonald throwing up next to the fast food chain’s Coulby Newham restaurant.

They are inspired by graphics and music from video games in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The latest artwork has received a mixed response with some people on Instagram commenting that they “love this one”, “nice” and “love this”.

But others have felt conflicted due to its location. One commenter said: “Love the art, go out of my way to find it. But this is different, that’s a grade 2 listed structure.”

While another added: “Oh no, why in there?! I know it’s already full of writing and stuff, but it just seems a bit wrong.”

ZX8BIT has now defended itself against the criticism. One of the artists said: “I appreciate this is a listed building and generally have due respect for any building afforded that title. Ultimately my goal was only ever to make something prettier, more interesting and on this occasion to counter all the ugly stuff that covers the same wall.

“As the people of Middlesbrough know this particular building has forever been left an unsightly and neglected space with offensive writing existing all over it forever. Though I appreciate the building aesthetically I’ve also seen parents removing their kids from the area upon reading the things written and drawn on the same walls.

“I decided that my painting would brighten it up and make it a more interesting scene for the public and that if the council or public (or whoever’s decision) decide to have it removed then at least they would remove all the pre existing writing too and restore it to a state of appreciation. If my painting is not for appreciation.”

It is understood that the artwork will be removed though the council has not confirmed this yet. It won’t be the first time the artist’s work has been taken down, the vomiting Ronald McDonald was removed before the artists repainted it.

Historic England and Middlesbrough Council have been contacted for comment.