Footpaths in Newport and Murrumba Downs will undergo a vibrant transformation as part of City of Moreton Bay’s Art at Large program.
The initiative, which commissions temporary artworks for lakeside footpaths, aims to enliven public spaces and engage local communities.
Calligraffiti artist Oscar Galeano, known professionally as Oskr, has been selected to create a mural at Blatchford Recreation Reserve in Murrumba Downs. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Oscar has lived in Moreton Bay for over five years.
“My work blends modern street art with classical calligraphy, creating immersive 3D visuals through shadow, depth, and refined colour palettes,” he said.
“For the Blatchford Recreation Reserve mural, my concept draws from Living Footprints – an urban art project highlighting animal welfare and habitat conservation.
“I envision stylised local animal tracks filled with dynamic calligraffiti strokes, celebrating the area’s biodiversity and sparking reflection on our shared environment, especially the question: ‘What space are we leaving for other species?’”
In preparation for the mural, Oscar recently led a creative workshop in North Lakes.
“Through workshops, residents – especially young people – can create lettering and patterns within the footprints, some of which may feature in the final mural, making it a true reflection of local identity and creativity,” he said.
Artist and arts professional Hilary Coulter, who lives on a cattle property on the border of the Western Downs and Banana Regional Councils, will design a footpath mural to be installed near The Blue Park on Endeavour Esplanade in Newport.
She said she takes inspiration from abstract painters and contemporary textile artists to explore the application of contemporary embroidery techniques, representing still life and landscapes in colourful, tactile scenes.
“I have been looking for an opportunity to create a piece of public art, and the Art at Large program with the City of Moreton Bay is a great avenue as it allows access for artists of all different backgrounds,” she said. “I will create the design for the artwork, but the final product will be printed and applied to the footpath surface by a council-appointed contractor.”
The Artists and Their Concepts
Last month, Hilary visited the site and hosted a slow stitch workshop in Rothwell to better understand the community’s connection to the mural location.
“Interactions and stories from the workshop and my site visit will help to inform my concept for the mural design,” she said.
Oscar and Hilary’s completed murals are set to be unveiled next year.
Find more information here.
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