Pittwater Life December 2023 Issue

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The Mona murals colouring our world News With ‘Midnight Dream’ by David Cragg in Bungan Lane, ‘Memories of Mona Vale’ by Gus Eagleton at the Memorial Hall, and now Sofles’ ‘Mona Vale Village Green’, bustling Mona Vale is becoming the mural capital of the Northern Beaches. Midnight Dream by David Cragg was funded in 2020 by the Crime Prevention Division of NSW, with an aim to reduce levels of damage to public spaces in the Mona Vale area. The strikingly beautiful mural that David created was a celebration of the diverse nature of local flora and fauna. It has been well-received by most locals, although there has been a ripple of dissent from some folk concerned about it defacing brickwork. Nevertheless, Council reports it and the other grant-funded art have resulted in reduced graffiti and tagging around the Bungan Lane area in which it is situated. Artist Gus Eagleton has added to the local artistic landscape with his work ‘Memories of Mona Vale’. Gus won the tender due to his idea for the image, his depth of portfolio, but also his ability to paint on difficult surfaces. “It was a tricky job to do because of the bricks and their texture, the layout of the building and the multiple sorts of surfaces involved,” explains Gus. “It took two weeks to do and there were a few hiccups along the way. The surface made it a very hard job to do. “My style is a realistic one, and I think that appealed to the Council,” says Gus. “I’ve captured the heritage of the area, the people and the lifestyle. It’s added colour and depth and hopefully it will detract people from tagging and vandalism.” A contemporary view of Mona Vale, the mural ranges from abstract interpretations of heritage-listed buildings such as Brock Follys Mansion and the Rock Lily Hotel, to the shaping of Mona Vale’s unpretentious beachside culture and the characters who inhabit the area. “I’ve had lots of good feedback from locals,” reveals Gus, “and some who saw me painting have asked me to do private jobs for their homes and businesses. So hopefully I’ll be back in the area soon!” The mural artists were paired up with youth assistants during the process. Council explained it partnered with local organisations in the Northern PHOTO: Kat Adamski Beaches Youth Interagency (NBYI), such as Streetwork and the Avalon Youth Hub, to help young people actively participate in community programs, activities, events and opportunities including mural projects related to graffiti management. Council says this particular partnership helps empower young people through mural installations, skill development, and community engagement, and complements the street-art workshops for at-risk youth that the organisations also run. Also, this opportunity enabled local emerging artists to be mentored by professional artists, gaining new skills and greater connection to the community. One of the youth assistants, Lola from Forestville, said: “It was very creative and made me feel accepted an engaged.” The striking bird mural at Mona Vale Green marked street artist Sofles’ first visit and contribution to the area. Shaun Hossack of Juddy Roller represents many street artists and has been involved in more than 1000 murals across Australia. Sofles, from his stable, has more than 355 thousand followers on Instagram and Shaun is constantly fielding questions about him. Including from this correspondent! “He’s a Brisbane boy who has become a bit of a celebrity in the street art world and he travels far and wide,” says Shaun, “he has a huge following on social media and some of his videos have gone viral on a global scale, getting up to 13 million hits. “He’s known for his realistic but futuristic style and the speed with which he paints using spray cans.” This is the first time Sofles – or Shaun – have undertaken a project on the 28 DECEMBER <strong>2023</strong> The Local Voice Since 1991
OPPOSITE: Sofles (left) with assistant Finn in front of his new mural within Mona Vale’s Village Park precinct. THIS PAGE: Gus Eagleton’s ‘Memories of Mona Vale’ references the suburb’s heritage. BELOW: Sofles’ striking Robin artwork. Northern Beaches. “My partner lives at Clareville,” reveals Shaun, “so it’s really nice to bring something to the area. Hopefully people recognize the great job he’s done – a focus on local flora and fauna, with his own spin.” Obviously an advocate for the craft, Shaun thinks people will love the end result. “I’ve witnessed the transformative nature of street art over the past decade and it really brings something to the community. “I really think Sofles has done that with this mural and it adds to the colour of Mona Vale.” – Rob Pegley *What do you think? Tell us at readers@ pittwaterlife.com.au PHOTO: Kat Adamski News The Local Voice Since 1991 DECEMBER <strong>2023</strong> 29
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Pittwater Life December 2023 Issue

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