By Jess Baker
Warwick’s latest street art – featuring murals of two regent honeyeaters, two working dogs and racing horses – symbolises the town’s sense of togetherness, says Western Australia artist James Giddy.
“When I paint murals, I try and paint something that’s specific to the region,” he said.
“Regent honeyeaters are unique to the area and they’re endangered now, so I wanted to raise awareness of that.
“But I have also tried to symbolise the togetherness of the town – I think that’s important after the year we’ve had – by painting a circle behind the two birds and having them lean in to each other.”
James said he ordinarily spends his time painting murals overseas, but Covid-19 restrictions have kept him grounded over the past year.
His work can be found in India, the United States, South Africa and Indonesia, and domestically throughout Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.
“Wherever I’m painting, I try to make my murals more accessible to a wider audience by using flora and fauna,” said James.
“I like that you can personify fauna – give animals an expression on their faces and tell a story with their body language.”
Local art enthusiasts can see James’ work in the Southern Downs Regional Council carpark, painted on the walls outside Warwick Twin Cinema and Warwick SES.
The mural project has been 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, which also includes new power supply for the exterior of the Warwick Town Hall and the Gus Eagleton mural completed last year.
To view James’ work, visit his webpage at www.jamesgiddy.com.au.
