They are the iconic interpretations of Albert Einstein and Arnold Schwarzenegger that are rejuvenating the streetscape of Wollongong.
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At the helm of the movement to energise the Illawarra with street art murals is Urban Art Australia director Anthony Jones.
With a mission to reinvigorate the forgotten walls of buildings in Port Kembla, Jones said it is an art form that is increasingly welcomed.
“I formulated this idea for a business that would offer a street art mural service for people in local communities … and over the last few years it has flourished,” he said.
“People across the Illawarra really love street art and they are becoming more intrigued about it.
“Urban Art Australia really is a creative hand and we are not like normal artists who say this is our style. We help people who have a vision and who may not have have any artistic ability.”
As an artist living in the Illawarra, Jones said Port Kembla holds significant potential.
“I see the potential of what Port Kembla can be and how we can create engagement with our local community and invite new visitors with our unique attraction point,” he said.
“[I envisage] the lane ways will essentially become a showcase of stunning street artwork for everyone to enjoy.”
Originally started to work with schools, street art has become highly sought after both commercially and domestically.
“Originally I started for schools and it turns out I had parents wanting to get their kids bedrooms done,” Jones said.
“I started dealing with them a often and I have started to move into aerosol workshops.”
But it is projects such as Port Kembla that Jones finds especially rewarding.
Having been commissioned by a number of businesses across the Illawarra to create street art installations including Blue Scope Steel, Disability Trust Dapto and Wollongong Surgical Associates, completing installations in Port Kembla gives him a chance to give back to the community.
If you are interested in donating a wall for the completion of an artwork, please contact info@urbanartaustralia.com.au or visit urbanartaustralia.com.au.