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To celebrate 800 years of North Shields the Elevation Mural Festival was born. #NS800.

Oceanus is one of 8 murals created for this celebration. What a mural it is!

Re-imagining the ancient god of rivers and oceans, linking Roman mythology with local heritage along the banks of the Tyne.

This mural explores the River Tyne’s historic connection to Oceanus, the ancient Titan god of rivers and oceans. Local historians believe there would have been temporary Roman settlements close to Fish Quay Sands over a thousand years before North Shields was officially founded. This is extremely likely given the large Roman encampments in South Shields and Wallsend. 

When the Romans arrived in this area, they would have brought with them their beliefs in various deities and it is likely the riverside would have hosted shrines to both Oceanus and Neptune. Oceanus is often depicted with wild hair, horns, and a serpent companion, yet was considered more gentle and temperate than Neptune.

Through a contemporary-styled composition, the mural brings this deep heritage into the present day, inviting the local community and visitors alike to engage with a lesser-known part of the area’s history.

KMG is a Scottish artist who has been creating street art for over two decades, working primarily with spray paint and masonry paint. Brought up on the stories of Northern Scotland, she draws inspiration from folklore to celebrate, revive, and reclaim overlooked local mythologies. Her distinctive, instantly recognisable work often features large figures and mythical creatures, prompting reflection on cultural identity and contemporary environments.