Public Art and Murals bring life to Queen Street precinct
Published on 02 June 2022
The Queen Street Precinct will be filled with vibrancy and colour as part of a new public art program which will see several artworks painted throughout the area over the coming weeks.
Acclaimed contemporary Aboriginal artist Danielle Mate is painting the first mural on the back wall of Ralph’s Chemist, at Carberry Lane.
Danielle said the inspiration for her work comes from the local environment and takes an aerial perspective of the landscape which was traditionally used to capture the textures, plantations and deep crevices of country.
“The colours I’m using blend cool and warm, I’m thinking about the local environment and how to portray different elements from the landscape,” she said.
“I haven’t decided exactly what the finished mural will look like, I’m trying to take a free flow approach to the landscape and feeling it as it comes along.
“The idea is that it will really add something to this space and be somewhere where someone walking through might just be able to take a moment and sit down.”
Jason Wing who is a Sydney based artist who strongly identifies with his Chinese and Aboriginal Heritage will soon start work on the wall of the 7-Eleven on Dumaresq Street, depicting the Rainbow Serpent and another serpent to represent all nationalities, intertwined in solidarity. The colour scheme will reference Aboriginal and Chinese colours of prosperity.
Mayor George Greiss said the murals would enhance the local streetscape and make the area more welcoming to residents and visitors.
“The first mural is located at one of the entrances to the CBD and will add a new element to our public domain,” Cr Greiss said.
“It’s important that works to the Queen Street precinct enhance the current amenity to build pride among residents and make the area more attractive to people visiting our city,” he said.
More public art across the CBD is being explored in collaboration with local businesses and property owners.
The mural projects are funded by the NSW Government through the Festival of Place grant program and the CBD Revitalisation Program grant.