Published on Monday, 20 November 2023 at 11:46:30 AM
A burst of colour in the CBD will bring local bird species and native flora to life in the form of a new large-scale mural on the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG). Western Australian artist Imogen Palmer will showcase the region’s diversity in an eye-catching installation which is set to create a vibrant link between plantings at GRAG Park and Post Office Lane’s metagraphic.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the new mural will resonate with the Midwest community.
“The successful concept by artist Imogen Palmer brings together the beautiful colours and textures of nature to what is a busy high-traffic area,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the project bringing elegance, balance and symmetry - linking the new Gallery gardens by depicting the energetic movement of local birds. It is also fabulous to see that there is a community aspect and locals will be able to be involved as part of an upskilling workshop. This will be another amazing piece of public art in our City and we hope locals and visitors embrace the new addition,” he added.
The artwork will be located on the GRAG rear wall facing the Post Office carpark and will wrap around the side wall along Durlacher Street.
Within the concept, the bright turquoise of a cheeky Sacred Kingfisher in flight, along with the striking plumage of a Singing Honeyeater perched high above Durlacher Street, gives a nod to the hundreds of bird species across the Midwest. A hot sun, depicted against the colours of coastal plains and waterways, speaks to the local landscape beyond the CBD and into the hinterland.
The new mural will add to the extensive multi-year works already completed by the City to beautify and activate the GRAG site, with the redevelopment of GRAG Park and the installation of the vibrant wildflower metagraphic by prominent artist Trevor Richards.
GRAG released the opportunity in August this year, asking for expressions of interest for artists to complete the work.
From nineteen expressions of interest, five were shortlisted to provide further concepts, from which three were presented to Council for a final decision - which was made at the October Council Meeting.
As part of the project, a Community Upskilling Workshop led by Imogen Palmer will also be scheduled for the new year, which will result in a second mural to be painted by locals at a location yet to be determined. Work on this lively and energetic new public art project is scheduled to start 22 November 2023.
During this time there will be some minor disruptions to parking behind the Art Gallery.
Image: Mural concept images, rear and side walls of GRAG
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