WALRUS OF PEACE

Bendigo Artists Inc (Australia)

Is ochre the new spray paint?

Street art is a popular form of creative expression, but it has lots of environmental and ethical issues. The paints and acetate used are pretty harsh on the artists and the environment.

The Walrus of Peace project, by a collective of Bendigo artists, investigates a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, recyclable, alternative set of materials for temporary street art installations. The materials include ceramic slip (aka mud), ochres, natural pigments and natural binders (wax, resins and oils).

The technique dates back 35,000 years and has been used to create rock paintings across the country. Walrus of Peace shows how we can incorporate ancient knowledge into contemporary practice to help move towards a more sustainable future.

---

About the contributor(s):

Walrus of Peace is created by Bendigo Artists Inc, a collective of artists including

Pat Thwaites - Project Manager, Artist

Gabby Gamble - Indigenous Artist, Project Lead, Indigenous Liaison

Chris Duffy - Ha Ho Art Project Lead Artist

Janet Bromley - Indigenous Artist, Yorta Yorta Woman

Lorraine Brigdale - Indigenous Artist, Yorta Yorta Woman

Dale Harris - Artist, Graphic Designer

Abby Brownbill, creator of the Walrus of Peace icon, is an associate of the project