Whilst COVID-19 disrupted the original programming of the Brisbane Street Art Festival this year, there was no stopping the abundant creativity that was produced from all participating artists. This year’s program included a stint in Ipswich, resulting in seven new works that you’ll have to see next time you visit.

Rachel Sarra’s “Distant Country” at Ipswich Health Plaza (21 Bell St), but is best viewed from East Street.

Distant Country is about the artist’s feeling of connection to the earth’s energy, being guided by ancestors, despite feeling distant from country, reassured by the energy and contours of the landscapes. As day turns into night, the feeling of being at peace and protected as memories of her country come flooding through. Rachel is an Ipswich born and raised artist, and is fueled by her passion to continue exploring her Aboriginality through art and design, with each piece strengthening her identity.

Fintan Magee’s “Two figures behind glass”, Limestone Centre, (22 South Street).

The work showing two Ipswich rail-workers behind beveled glass depicts Queensland in lock-down, during COVID-19, and pays tribute to the many essential workers during this time. The work proposes a reassessment of how essential workers are valued in the post COVID-19 world.

While Fintan Magee is a Sydney based social realist painter, specialising in large-scale murals, and exhibited all over the world, he is no stranger to Ipswich. His father Dennis was the Head of Art and Design at the Bremer Institute of TAFE for many years and he has worked in Ipswich previously, teaching local students how to create large-scale murals.

Emily Devers’s “While Resting”, Ipswich Art Gallery (D’arcy Doyle Place).

The artwork presents a visual reflection of the artist’s own experience of isolation over the last few months during the height of COVID-19. The artist was fascinated with how the collective energy of the community shifted during isolation. The black and white imagery in this artwork are 35mm film photos taken while exploring an almost empty Brisbane during the first week of lockdown.

Emily is a Brisbane based artist and is both a contemporary painter and Director of The Third Quarter. Emily draws direct reference from her surroundings, often using imagery captured on film and collaging these with digital images to highlight the disconnect between actual and representational – experienced and remembered.

Gus Eagleton’s “The Unveiling” Icon Alley (Nicholas Street precinct).

This piece by @instaguss depicts St. Jonnie (@sadboi.luxury) the singer from a collectively Ipswich born and raised band, @feelsclub. Set in the city loop on a Thursday night, St. Jonnie unveils his camouflaged hood as the cars lap the block. With this emblematic action, he now stands proud, acknowledging the significance of his place of birth and its role in sparking an ambition to achieve creative success.

The artist Gus Eagleton with over 10 years experience delivering mural artworks all over the world, has also spent time living as a local in Ipswich and his earlier works now form part of the cultural heritage of the Woollen Mills at North Ipswich. In the studio or on the street, Gus brings his unique interpretation to the characters he creates and the urban landscapes that inspire him.

Ash Taylr’s “Breathe”, 164 Brisbane Street (Dancing Bean Roastery)

Breathe, is a reminder of the importance of self care and compassion for others. It encourages the viewer to take a moment for themselves to take a second to breathe, to distance themselves, find nature and to find mindfulness.
Ash Taylor is an emerging Australian muralist. Her practice explores abstract, botanical and figurative forms to create works with a curious and whimsical style.

Styna’s “Finding light in the darkness”, 188 Brisbane St (Studio 188)

The mural created for Studio 188 is a piece inspired by wellness, using a play on light and dark tones. The work explores the balance between lightness and the dark, and how one cannot exist without the other. In life, we often negate from the things that make us feel uncertain, discomfort or at risk. The artist hopes that this work will bring about joy and positivity, and as a reminder, for us to be kind to one another and to ourselves.
Christina Huynh is an illustrator and artist more commonly known as STYNA. Storytelling and the heritage of a place are some elements that influence and inspire her work. From using traditional mediums of watercolour, ink, and pen to the vastly different worlds of aerosol combined with acrylic, her art practice is an exploration of creating murals, illustrations, and picture books.

Jordache’s “Co-existence”, Firestation 101 (but best viewed from Waghorn St).

This piece is about the impact of technology on our world. We as individuals, have the capable tools to build our own futures. To shape and mould the pathway towards our own careers is forever growing. The design concept draws inspiration from these key elements. Creating, expanding, optimism and progression. The colour palette is indicative of our bright future, but also reflects our parallels in life which can be rigid and soft natured.
Jordache is a Brisbane based artist, specialising in high impact, large scale murals. He is one of the founders of Mayne Line – a creative collective and open studio gallery in Albion. His portfolio of work ranges from small scale gallery exhibitions and commissioned canvas work to large scale community activation projects on buildings, water towers and silos.