MELBOURNE-based artist Julian Clavijo has been hired to create a “thought-provoking and impactful mural” about climate change on a wall in Hastings shopping centre.
Clavijo was chosen by Mornington Peninsula Shire’s public art panel after it called expressions of interest in May. The shire will not say how much he is being paid.
Work on the six metre high by 24 metre long mural on the wall of Ritchies IGA in Salmon Street will start next month and is expected to be finished in December.
A statement issued by the shire says painter and sculptor Clavijo is renowned nationally and internationally,
“After graduating in 2011, he started exploring the possibility of translating his photorealistic oil painting technique on to mural painting at any scale,” the statement said. “By mixing spray painting skills, commonly used in the world of street art, and the traditional brush work techniques almost resembling classical fresco murals, Julian achieves striking hyper-realistic results by painting murals at monumental scales in public spaces.”
The shire says environmentally-themed art “empowers young people to visualise a world where they can make a difference”.
The statement quotes Clavijo as saying: “We, the global society, need a collective consciousness to bring back the balance in nature through sustainable living.”
The mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the shire had received “many high-quality submissions” and predicted the mural would “create a lively atmosphere for this part of Hastings while focussing on climate change and our natural environment”.
Cr Lisa Dixon hoped the mural would lead to “community conversations” about climate change issues and offer “a more sustainable approach to preventing graffiti”.
Joining Dixon on the public art panel are Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery director Danny Lacy, the shire’s arts and culture officer Bridey Ellis, community activation manager Natasha Petkovic-Jeremic, climate change and sustainability manager Melissa Burrage and community environmental education coordinator Jacqueline Salter.
Cr Sarah Race, said the shire’s arts and culture advisory panel (different to the public art panel) had been impressed by Clavijo’s “formidable artistic talent, use of vibrant colour and the powerful and uplifting messages portrayed in his art”.
First published in the Western Port News – 31 August 2022
