Murals weave stories that resonate with history, culture & transformation
In the realm of art, there exists a medium that transcends the confines of galleries and museums to uplift communities on a local level – public art. Murals weave stories that resonate with history, culture and transformation.
The beauty and power of public murals is undeniable. The process of mural creation from planning to execution, should engage the local community, evolving into a unified endeavour that enhances the bond between art and community. The value of public art that engages with the local community rests within cultural exchange and community participation.
Murals symbolise the power of art in fostering connections
Effective public artworks act as a mirror of society. Art Pharmacy collaborated with leading property group, Goodman to curate two large scale mural artworks, titled ‘Trace’ by Rowena Martinich for Axis Alexandria, with internationally renowned artist Rowena Martinich. The artwork showcases layers of luminous blues and their complementary colours through soft, curved lines and ‘random’ bursts of liquid-painted gestures.
Beyond its visual allure, this mural strokes into the everyday experience of traversing a staircase. Presented as a diptych, Martinich injects movement, subtle colour studies, and bold graphic strokes. The artwork aims to captivate drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians on their daily commute, providing a tranquil and peaceful break.
Public murals serve as accessible platforms for the artistic community, offering an open canvas for creative expression and collaboration.
With some paint and a legal wall, artists from diverse backgrounds can craft bold statements that resonate with the general public.
Art Pharmacy is delighted to have curated a public art mural for Eumemmerring Business Park in South Dandenong (VIC) by Bunurong elder, Adam Magennis. The artwork explores the historical impact of industrial growth on the region’s flora and fauna, offering a pathway to healing and unity.
Inspired by the abundance of beal (River Red Gum) in the area, the mural symbolises the power of art in fostering connections. It aims to inspire all who pass by, offering a warm embrace and a sense of belonging, particularly to those who connect with Bunurong land.
Art Pharmacy was lucky to collaborate with Goodman on another art mural commission in 2023. Blak Douglas, a Koori artist and the recipient of the 2022 Archibald Prize created ‘Route Canal’, a large-scale public mural in Southend, Alexandria.
The artwork, ‘depicts an abstract First Nations map representing Sydney basin clans through blue and green circles, while brown and yellow squares symbolise the local sandstone country. The linear grey pattern traces the journey from a historic creek to a modern canal, reflecting the shift from natural formations to a constructed waterway, honouring the site’s layered history.
Through a contemporary street art approach, this mural creates a visual narrative of respect and admiration, aiming to captivate and connect generations of passersby along Gardeners Road.
Public art brings communities together by fostering cultural exchange that will ultimately shape our shared future
Dreaming up a mural project for your surroundings? Art Pharmacy are leading art consultants that implements creative visions and cultural projects from start to finish. Get in touch with us here
All three of these recent murals completed in 2023 celebrate diversity, advocate for change, and weave together the threads of heritage and culture. They stand as testaments to the resilience and creativity of First Nations artists, while demonstrating how public art brings communities together by fostering cultural exchange that will ultimately shape our shared future.
Art Pharmacy’s partnerships with these murals showcase the transformative potential of public art. These murals transcend visual appeal, seamlessly integrating into the daily lives of commuters, offering moments of tranquility and connection. Beyond the confines of traditional art spaces, public art emerges as a dynamic force, unfolding narratives that intertwine history, culture, and the shared experiences that bind communities together. These murals stand as testament to the resilience and creativity of artists, embodying the potential of public art to shape a collective future grounded in shared stories and mutual understanding.