Hornsey Lane Murals Project (Unity Place)

Hornsey Lane Murals Project

In June 2020 Burwood Council commissioned five Sydney based artists to develop three large scale murals in Hornsey Lane, responding to the themes of Past, Present, Future. 

The project was apart of the Burwood Cares Program. The Burwood Cares Program aims to support the health, wellbeing and resilience of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the banner of Burwood Cares the Hornsey Lane Mural project provided opportunities for recognition and income in order to stimulate the Sydney arts sector. 

All three artworks were completed in August 2020 and Unveiled by Burwood Mayor Cr John Faker. 

Artists: Karla Hayes, David Cragg, Noni Cragg
Storylines (featuring Kirli Saunders)

Responding to the theme of ‘Past,’ Storylines centres on First Nations custodianship of Burwood. The mural embodies present and future connections to Country by referencing the work of celebrated writer, artist and educator and proud Gunai woman Kirli Saunders who is NSW Aboriginal Woman Of The Year 2020. Storylines features Kirli overlooking a pre-colonial depiction of Parramatta River, foregrounding her cultural, familial and professional connections to storytelling by nestling her amongst her totems; Hoya Flowers, Waratah and the Black Cockatoo.

The Lyrebird, known for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds, references both Burwood’s diverse community and Kirli’s writing practice.  Silhouetted faces frame the composition, embodying a dynamic landscape which breathes its own stories.

Artist: Georgia Hill
WITH YOU

Responding to the theme of ‘Present’, WITH YOU focuses on the coming together and resilience of the Burwood Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The simple phrase ‘With You’ generates a sense of assistance, optimism and community spirit through a contemporary design. The use of the concentric circles behind the text is suggestive of fluid movement and a sense of growing and overlapping. This further symbolises the growth and strength of our community during a turbulent time.  

Artist: Fintan Magee
Levitate

Responding to the theme of ‘Future’, Levitate was created through community consultation with Burwood children and families. As a part of the consultation process the children were asked what were their hopes and dreams for the future, with one girl replying that she wanted to live in a levitating house. Noting that the future belongs to children, this mural reflects upon a childhood sense of imagination, creating a feeling of optimism for the future. 

Artist Interviews

In 2021 Hornsey Lane was renamed Unity Place