Art defaced with a message about 'cheap fame and money'

Vandals have defaced a mural of Peter Kay.

Artist Chris Moore spent seven days spray-painting the comedian’s likeness on to a bridge in Levenshulme, Greater Manchester, last weekend.

But just two days later it was painted over, and replaced with the message: ‘When you love cheap fame and money more than the culture.'

Moore told the Manchester Evening News: ‘I think it's petty, but I acknowledge it's part of the street art scene that people can cover your work and have their say.’

He also took the slogan which replaced it as criticism of his work, rather than Kay’s, saying: ‘Overall I love the way people respond to my work. I enjoy sharing my work with people and appreciate the nice comments.

‘I also appreciate, and take note of, constructive criticism… Ultimately, whoever has covered it, or if it is multiple people, are questioning the means behind my work, which I categorically disagree with.’

It is the second of Moore's works to be defaced recently, following a tribute to Paul O’Grady he created on another bridge in Manchester. He charts his work on the Instagram account @manchester_murals.

Published: 5 May 2023