5 January 2021
Local art enthusiasts can head down to the Southern Downs Regional Council carpark behind Warwick Twin Cinema to see Warwick's latest street art addition being painted. Renowned artist James Giddy will be in action throughout this week and next, painting two exciting murals.
This exciting facelift is funded as part of the $50,000 Warwick Laneway power and public art project under the $600 million Works for Queensland program, an initiative of the Queensland Government. The project also includes new power supply for the exterior of the Warwick Town Hall to assist in the holding of events and the Gus Eagleton mural completed in 2020.
Street art is a stimulating medium that activates public spaces with visual assets as it enhances and layers the experience. Street art is essentially an outside gallery and it can turn blank walls into works of art, which gives people a new reason to stop and appreciate the urban form.
James holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and his murals can be found throughout Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland as well as internationally in India, America, South Africa and Indonesia. Heavily inspired by the natural environment and the French motif of en plein air painting, James revolves his practice around themes concerning the unknown as well as environmental conservation, generally drawing inspiration from and referencing site specific subject matter. You can view James’ work on his web page at jamesgiddy.com.au.
While painting work is in progress, road closures are in place with no vehicular access to the carpark via Grafton Street. There is however provision for pedestrians. Anyone who wishes to view the murals in progress is requested to please abide by the safety measures in place and as always, to observe social distancing.
A huge thanks to Warwick Twin Cinemas owner Michel Kairouz for again allowing his property to be the canvas for some of the artwork and also for being incredibly proactive and helpful throughout the project.
Businesses that are excited by the prospect of broadening Warwick’s street art scene can contact Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Team to express their interest for any potential future projects.