Artist brings colour to Armadale police station

A TOUCH of creativity has transformed Armadale Police Station from a drab, grey building into something a little more colourful.

Indigenous artist Bradley Kickett took inspiration from his culture and the history of the local land to create the large-scale mural on the outside of the police station, one of five new public art murals commissioned during the recent Armadale Arts Festival.

Mr Kickett said the mural was a piece from a local Nyoongar artist about the local Nyoongar country.

“The design is of the river from the local area Dyarlgarro Beeliar, or Canning River,” he said.

“I wanted a local design but wanted it to be of the area before it was changed to how it is today.

“Having seen maps of the area before the dams were put in I decided I wanted to a river painting to show what the area was like.

“I have lived in Armadale for 12 years now and hope people see it as a local artist painting the area I call home in the art style of the first people of the area.”

Mr Kickett said having a large-scale piece of artwork in a public space was great for any artist.

“It means there is a different audience that will now see and enjoy your work, it’s not in a gallery setting or in an art store but up for anyone who happens to pass by to see it,” he said.

“There is always such positive interest from locals, there are always kids who want to have a go and help out or just watch you work.

“I always find it amazing how art generates so much interest and how much of a positive impact projects like these have on communities.”

I’m a Culture Lover Competition

Residents and visitors are invited to take a photo of themselves experiencing and enjoying culture around the City of Armadale.

Photos can be shared on Facebook and Instagram at @perthhillsarmadale with the hashtags #perthhillsarmadale and #culturelover for a chance to win an iPad and other prizes.

Competition ends August 31.

Visit www.perthhillsarmadale.com.au for more information.