Quandamooka artist Joshua Gross has transformed the Bloomfield Street underpass in Cleveland into a bright piece of Indigenous art.
Gross, who is a young aspiring artist from North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), was engaged by Redland City Council for his strong desire to use his talents to create public artwork for the community.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council believed in helping local artists showcase their talent, stories, and culture through different platforms to provoke positive thought and create a better space.
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“The Bloomfield Street underpass provided a great space and opportunity for Joshua to develop his art profile and share his Quandamooka heritage and creative flair with the Redlands Coast community,” Cr Williams.
“Not only does the mural represent Joshua’s culture, but the street art initiative forms part of a range of Council strategies to combat vandalism within our community.
“With the Bloomfield Street underpass having sustained damage from graffiti and past wet weather events, it was time to see new artwork in this location.
“Council has also applied an anti-graffiti coating to the mural to help protect it from vandalism without impacting the art’s appearance.
“The underpass artwork is not the first of its kind here on Redlands Coast, with some open spaces and Council buildings, such as one exterior wall of the Cleveland library being transformed into a pop of colour.”
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the artwork was a wonderful example of cultural diversity on Redlands Coast and encouraged locals to visit the mural.
“I want to thank Joshua for reclaiming this space and turning it into a work of art that will now provide the community with some insight into Quandamooka culture and art,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Not only will the mural to unify our community, but the underpass’ transformation will hopefully encourage more pedestrians to use the tunnel as a safer alternative to crossing the busy road above.
“Nearby water pumps and drains at the underpass have also recently been upgraded to redirect water runoff, which previously led to flooding in the pedestrian tunnel.”
Artist Joshua Gross said Quandamooka culture was a big part of his life and had inspired his desire to promote expression and his creativity on Redlands Coast.
“Culture is paramount in my life; it is family, it is a connection, it is belonging, it is love,” Mr Gross said.
“It keeps me grounded, fuels my drive for making art, and gives me direction.
“The reason I wanted to create the artwork is simple, to give back to the community.”
Residents are urged to report graffiti to Council by either accessing the Vandaltrak app on Council’s website at redland.qld.gov.au or by phoning Council on 3829 8999.
