The artwork sits beneath the Link Centre, on a pedestrian route linking nearby homes with the leisure and shopping facilities. The tunnel is used daily by families, swimmers and commuters.
Over a period of around nine days, the once-grey concrete space was transformed into a series of bright scenes inspired by sport, movement and motivation.
“It took me about a week and a half, about nine days in total,” Nathan said. “The bottom line of what they wanted was activities from the Link Centre, but what I wanted to bring was bright colours, something vibrant, something that makes people feel happy or motivated.”
The commission followed earlier work he completed in the Toothill subway on the opposite side of the complex, where he painted a jungle-themed mural. After staff at the Link Centre saw that project, he was encouraged to apply when a call-out for artists was announced.
“They saw the work I’d done and wanted me to apply based on that,” he said. “I applied, and they took me on to do it.”
While working on the mural, Nathan said he was surprised by the reaction from people using the underpass.
“It’s been amazing, honestly,” he said. “I’ve not had one bad comment. People have been buying me coffees, teas, Greggs, just to say thank you. I didn’t expect that response at all, it’s been overwhelming.”
He believes the response reflects a wider discussion about public art in Swindon and the role murals and street art can play in improving shared spaces.
“I don’t want to talk badly about Swindon,” he said, “but there are parts that aren’t very appealing to the eye. Putting colour into those places can enhance people’s moods and mental states. It’s important for the public as much as it is for artists.”
Nathan grew up in Swindon and began painting at a young age, taking a different approach to many others involved in graffiti.
“I always focused on images,” he said. “A lot of people focus on letters, but I was always about pictures. I just progressed through that, really, and here I am now.”
He said the issue of tagging across the town is complex and not easily reduced to right and wrong.
“Aspiring artists need to start somewhere, and in Swindon there aren’t many places to practise.”
Nathan believes local authorities could help by providing more legal spaces for graffiti and mural work.
“They need to allow more places for people to do graffiti, and also promote what you can do with it,” he said. “This underpass is an example. I started in graffiti, and now I’m doing this. It shows kids it’s not just about tagging letters, you can actually make a living from it.”
He also drew a distinction between tagging and more detailed graffiti art.
“Tagging is quick, one colour, getting your name up,” he said. “Graffiti art takes time, it’s a production. Tagging is more status-driven, but you can still make a name for yourself through proper artwork. I have.”
When asked where he would like to work next, he pointed to Swindon town centre, particularly areas around Fleming Way, Fleet Street and Bridge Street.
“There’s a lot happening at the top of town, which is great, but the bottom of town could really benefit,” he said. “Especially hoardings, they’ll get tagged anyway, so you might as well put something decent on them.”
With Swindon Paint Fest expected to return later this year, Nathan said he remains positive about the future of public art in the town.
“It’s always good for Swindon,” he said. “There are some great artists here, and it’s important to showcase them.”
For now, his latest mural has turned a previously overlooked underpass into a space that encourages conversation and leaves many passers-by smiling.
