The
Chalk Urban Art Festival is taking art to the streets of Parramatta where artists will explore the theme of 'the Blues' and what it means to them.
If police chalk outlines or children's sidewalk drawings spring to mind your expectations will be far exceeded as you will be transported to the Sistine Chapel, see 3D optical illusions, images that challenge your ideas with political messages and beautiful scenes in the outdoor gallery that is pavement street art.
Over 30 professional artists will be vying for the title of Champion Pavement Artist 2010 at the largest festival of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.
For a taste of what will be on offer click
here to see footage of last year's festival about climate change.
Over four days the event filled
program consists of competitions, interactive
school holiday workshops and you can experience live art with body painting on the menu at
Mars Hill Cafe.
This year's international guest artist from Italy
Bernardo von Hessberg will demonstrate his passion for reproducing renaissance and impressionist paintings on pavements.
Bernardo will be working on a reproduction of Guido Reni artwork 'Aurora' at the upcoming festival.
The impressive diverse line up of artists from all over Australia includes veteran competitor, illustrator and designer Adam Celeban whose chalk drawings are reminiscent of animation (top picture); Queensland professional artist Dom Intelisano, who received a highly commended prize last year, produces murals, sculptures, illustration and pavement art and Garry Donnellan who since winning 2005's Champion Pavement Artist has been travelling around Europe, using pavement art to attract commissioned works and fund his travels.
Emerging Sydney artist Luke Marcatili will display his work that is influenced by art history, popular culture and his environment, such as his five bodied portrait. According to the website: "Luke's work takes familiar motifs and twists them to explore personal meaning".
The interactive event features a
mini chalk competition for 12 members of the general public to enter and an opportunity for all to vote for their favourite artist in the People's Choice Award.
Click
here to see examples of all the competing artists work.
