Next Perfect Match artwork by Wendy Sharpe
Friday 21 August 2020
Inner West Council’s unique initiative, Perfect Match, will hit new highs when the next commission is unveiled this month.
The artwork is by world renowned Australian artist Wendy Sharpe, who has held numerous shows both nationally and internationally, including over 59 solo exhibitions.
From small beginnings, Perfect Match has grown to become Australia’s best-known and most-loved public art and graffiti prevention program. It brings artists, residents, businesses, property owners and community partners together to collaboratively create new street artworks in public places.
Property owners are invited to find their Perfect Match by nominating their wall to be transformed by an artist. Artists submit their designs and ideas.
Wendy Sharpe is one of Australia’s most awarded artists, having won the Sulman Prize, the Portia Geach Memorial Award (twice), the Archibald Prize, and many others.
Wendy lives and works in Sydney’s Inner West and Paris – unfortunately though, this year the Paris plan has obviously been curtailed.
Finding herself in the midst of a pandemic, Wendy turned her attention to making a landmark contribution to her local neighbourhood through Council’s Perfect Match program.
Wendy’s work will celebrate ‘Women’s Empowerment’.
“During this challenging time of COVID-19 which has drastically affected so many people in the arts, I am delighted to have the opportunity through Council's innovative Perfect Match program to paint a large scale artwork in Sydney’s Inner West, where I have lived and worked for 30 years,” she said.
“’Women’s Empowerment’ is an issue close to my heart…I want [the artwork] to be powerful dramatic and strong. I was inspired by the words of Andre Lorde I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own,” Wendy said.
Ewan Samway and his partner Matt Vagulans are the lucky property owners. Ewan said he and Matt are great fans of Wendy’s work.
“More than ever, it is important that Council and community get behind projects to support and encourage artists, so central to the vibrant neighbourhood we love so much. In particular, as gay dads of two young boys, we're especially keen on showing our support for women's empowerment and the #metoo movement in any way we can. We simply cannot wait to see this work come to fruition,” Ewan said.
Wendy Sharpe is ‘live painting’ at 185 Church Street Camperdown today Friday 21 August, 11am – 4pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
For a print quality image, contact the Communication team.
For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 9392 5334 or Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au