A once blank concrete wall at Byford skate park has been brought to life with colour and movement, after internationally recognised mural artist Jerome Davenport and his assistant Callan Stals-Clifford completed the finishing touches on their work last week.
Davenport said the project was an ode to his younger self and to other young people.
“Growing up around skate parks myself, you know, it definitely resonates with me,” he said.
“It’s just such a big part of our culture in WA.
“Being able to give back like that and bring the space, which was just a boring grey blank wall to life with a bit of movement and colour, it really makes a difference for the kids using the park and everyone that visits it.”
The mural leans toward abstraction, designed to be appreciated both up close and from afar.
Davenport said the work revealed more detail the longer viewers looked, with layered colours and flowing forms intended to capture the energy of the space.
He said while the mural was abstract in style, the artwork was deeply rooted in its surroundings.
Elements throughout the mural reflect the culture and everyday activity of the skate park, from oversized sneakers and rollerblades to subtle references to local fauna and the street culture that defines the space.
“Behind the artwork, obviously, we’re trying to create something super colourful for the kids, representative of the area or fauna, but then also it’s a lot about what goes on in the park like the kids using scooters and skateboards and the street culture that comes along with it,” Davenport said.
“Everything is kind of relevant to what happens at the park.”
During the painting process, Davenport said many young visitors stopped by, eager to pick up a spray can themselves.
While he had to be mindful of safety and supervision, he hopes the finished piece inspires young artists.
To aspiring artists, Davenport said persistence was key.
“Practice makes perfect,” he said.
“And reach out because we’re always open to taking on new young talent. There’s always opportunity there, and there’s a lot more these days than what there was when we first started.”
He attributed the growing opportunities in mural and street art to greater community acceptance and increased public investment in creative projects.
“I think there’s more opportunities, purely because the scene has been adopted a bit more by the general community,” Davenport said.
“There’s also a lot of new projects like this or a rec centre going up.
“So, there are government initiatives but also the general public is a lot more open to it.”
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale praised Davenport’s contribution, noting his extensive experience and international reach.
“Jerome is not only one of Australia’s leading mural artists but he’s also leaving his mark on the walls of the global arts community,” the shire said.
“His work, which blurs the lines between graffiti, muralism and geometry, now graces projects for other local governments as well as schools, private homes, celebrities and commercial jobs from Berlin to Buenos Aires, Perth to Panama.”
