Kyiv’s trend for beautifying buildings with public art extended itself 15,000 kilometers around the globe to Sydney, Australia with the unveiling on Saturday, Feb. 7, of a new Ukrainian-inspired mural.
In a collaboration with Inner West Council, the local municipal administration, international artist Tom Gerrard, and local homeowner and proud Ukrainian Australian, Daniel Harasymiw, the once-bare side wall of Daniel’s home has been transformed over a week into a stunning mural. The new mural fuses two themes: the folkloric and fantastical work of famous Ukrainian artist, Maria Prymachenko, and Australia’s unique native flora, such as gum nuts, wattles, waratahs and bottle-brushes.
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In launching the new mural, Mayor Darcy Byrne of Inner West Council spoke of the solidarity of his 190,000-strong local community with the struggle of the Ukrainian people and their desire for peace.
“This initiative sends an important message of solidarity and respect from our local community to the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves from an unprovoked and deadly invasion,” Mayor Byrne said.
“The war has gone on for a long time now. It’s easy to turn away. But we cannot afford to do that because it’s exactly what Vladimir Putin wants us to do.
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“It’s been great to see how staunch and respectful the Ukrainian Australian community has been in advocating its cause and making sure we don’t forget its just cause, including with excellent initiatives such as today’s,” Mayor Byrne said.
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“We really want to thank Daniel for commissioning something that sends such a strong political message and improves our local community as well,” Mayor Byrne said.
Harasymiw thanked the council and the artist for bringing his vision to life.
“I always try to think of ways to get the message across… and this is a marvelous way to do that and it will be there for a long, long time,” Harasymiw said to the gathered crowd of local residents and Ukrainian Australian community members.
He noted that the museum to Maria Prymachenko – in her native settlement of Bolotyna – was destroyed by Russian invading forces in 2022, but that “at least a small part of her perspective will remain alive here in the Inner West.”
Speaking with Kyiv Post, artist Tom Gerrard noted that the final design of the mural was a collaboration between himself, Inner West Council and Daniel Harasymiw.
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“It started with conversations, concepts and drawings… In about the third round of concepts, I settled on Prymachenko. I got fixated on Ukraine folk art and quickly saw she was really top of the pile,” Gerrard said.
Gerrard has exhibited in Los Angeles, Barcelona and Tokyo, and his works have been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria. He is an active international muralist, having been commissioned in London, Berlin, Quito and Rio de Janeiro.
“It’s very devastating what’s happening in Ukraine, but it’s great to see Daniel to use his property as a billboard for awareness and education and keep reminding people of what’s going on,” Gerrard said.