Leading chalk artist to create works on art on Cultural Centre pavement

Iconic Australian artworks will emerge from the pavement on a weekend of activities in the Perth Cultural Centre supported by EPRA as part of its revitalisation of the area.

Award winning artist Jenny McCracken will bring to life 3D chalk artworks inspired by the Art Gallery of WA’s McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 exhibition.

Jenny will start creating the pieces on the pavement in front of the State Library forecourt on Friday 12 February and will complete them on Sunday 14 February while the Art Gallery’s Fall in Love with McCubbin Family Day takes place from 10am until 1pm.

EPRA Acting CEO Sean Henriques said the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre is underway and it will transform the precinct into a vibrant and active place that Western Australians are proud of.

“You will see events like this interactive 3D chalk art installation, the successful St Jerome’s Laneway Festival and a range of community activities happening more often in the Cultural Centre.  As the regeneration continues, visiting the Cultural Centre will be an experience of rediscovery for the people of Perth and a must see for visitors to the City,” Mr Henriques said.

The artworks that will be recreated as 3D interactive chalk art spanning up to five metres on the pavement include the famous McCubbin pieces Down on his luck and The Shore.

Artist Jenny McCracken has travelled the world using the pavement as her canvas, producing inspiring works of art for the public to enjoy. 

“Chalk art is also performance art because it provides opportunities for viewers to participate in the final image and see the art progress and grow.  I love encouraging people to become a part of the artworks by having a photo taken interacting with the images, as many people have never had such a connection with either the artist or their work” Jenny said.

Also on in the Perth Cultural Centre from 12 February until 5 April is Danish artist Jeppe Hein’s water installation Appearing Rooms - a Perth International Arts Festival and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts free event sponsored by EPRA.

To find out more about the Art Gallery’s McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 exhibition and Family Day, visit www.artgallery.wa.gov.au.