Celebration of art continues in city

SIXTIES art has taken over the city to mark the opening of the Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary exhibition.

Artist Bjarni Wark, also known as Happy Decay, created a mural on the paving at Rosalind Park’s Piazza.

The work is inspired by Mary Quant and uses bright colours, shapes and dots in a nod to the fashion icon’s style.

New art activations by street art collective Nacho Station, led by Reece Handy are popping up in various places.

Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden said the new activations are designed to promote the artistry Bendigo has to offer, and to welcome visitors arriving for the Gallery’s exhibition.

“It was Victoria and Albert Museum’s most popular fashion exhibition in London so we anticipate that this will be another blockbuster for the Gallery and great news for Greater Bendigo.” Cr Alden said.

“These new bold and vibrant artworks further invigorate the vibrancy of our public spaces and aim to entice Gallery visitors to stay longer, shop, dine and make the most of their trip here.

“With different public art activations emerging at various locations and plenty of selfie-spots for people to enjoy and share, this will be a great way to market Greater Bendigo and a must-see exhibition.

“It comes at an important time in our recovery to promote our region and support our local business community after a very challenging 2020.”

More Quant-themed selfie spots have been set up around town, including at the Dai Dum San precinct, Lyttleton Terrace and Hargreaves mall.

Sixties-inspired selfie spots have also been installed at the Bendigo Visitor Centre façade, with life-size cardboard figures wearing retro clothing greeting visitors.

A large macrame display has been created by the Slow Art Collective at the Hargreaves Mall Bus Stop and an old-school British telephone box has been installed too.

At the Conservatory in Rosalind Park, giant butterflies have appeared as part of the pop-art Butterfly Kisses installation, on display until Friday.

Street artist behind the Aussie Icons in Chancery Lane, Chris Duffy, said he was thrilled to contribute to the art series.

“The goal with that work in particular was to surprise people that visit the conservatory,” he said.

“When I think of conservatory, I think of butterfly enclosure. For me it was a natural fit, I just wanted to make mine giant.”

Acting manager of Bendigo Venues and Events Jacoba Kelly said the pop art installation is a great homage to Mary Quant.

“Butterfly Kisses is an homage to the pop art era of the 1960s when Mary Quant’s bold and vibrant fashion was emerging as an international brand,” she said.