Past, Present & Future

The goal is to create fresh and collaborative street art in public environments. For this project George was matched with local resident Rosa Bologna. “I wanted to create a work paying respect to the area highlighting the present residents and looking forward to future contributions of the community. I’ve chosen to pay homage to Tosha Thakkar through the representation of the lotus flower – the national floral emblem from her home country of India,” says George.

An additional feature of Turpentine blossom’s in varying states of blooming appears in the mural also. George to wanted pay respect of the Inner West of Sydney and before European colonisation. Currently there is a regeneration plan in place to re-establish this endangered ecosystem. The roses in this mural have been taken from the Presbyterian Ladies College crest which is a street away from this mural – that’s the future aspect of the concept.

The mural was painted in Resene Lumbersider low sheen waterborne paint in Resene Daredevil, Resene Galliano, Resene Governor Bay, Resene Outrageous, Resene Riptide, Resene Black and a 4:1 blend of Resene Blue Gem and Resene Paua.

The Perfect Match process is a collaborative one and George worked closely with Rosa, who lives in the building. The sensitive nature of the subject was one that wasn’t taken lightly and both integrity and respect were key inspirations through to the conclusion of the mural. George saw the opportunity to paint a mural to empower women and create conversation about the local community.

George concludes, “I wanted to focus on predominantly women’s stories and experiences to bring positivity and powerful female energy into the area.”

This project is part of a body of work that won the Resene Total Colour Visual Art Award. The judges said "an incredible body of work, bold interpretations and colour palettes bring streetscapes and public spaces to life in a true celebration of colour and artistry. The works are so over scaled to suit each environment. With an underlying style, the art is reinvented with each brief so that each work truly shines on its own. Harnessing an enviable eye for colour, the colour palettes and proportions are beautifully and brilliantly intertwined."

Artist: George Rose
Artist representation: Eddie Zammit
Client: Inner West Council
Photographer: Holly Hawkins
Winner: Resene Total Colour Visual Art Award
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2020