Artists commissioned for public art
The PTP Alliance recently sought professional local artists/artist teams to develop concept designs for murals on the abutment walls and piers, beneath the new Torrens Road bridge, as well as three freestanding art pieces, to be placed in the future landscaped areas of the project.
In April 2022, the Public Art Commissioning Group (PACG) undertook the difficult task of selecting winners from the shortlist, awarding the following artists for commissioning:
Mike Makatron and Harley Hall, awarded Kakirra ‘moon’ mural on the bridge abutment wall and Pier Package 1 mural
Mike is a full-time muralist with over 20 years of experience and will be collaborating in a mentorship with Harley, a Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Kokatha man, who is an artist and social worker, new to creating large scale public artworks.
Elizabeth Close, Shane Cook and Thomas Readett, awarded Tindo ‘sun’ mural on the bridge abutment wall.
Elizabeth is a Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara woman, who is a Contemporary Aboriginal Visual Artist based in Adelaide.
Thomas is a Ngarrindjeri and Arrernte artist based in Adelaide, who previously worked as the Tarnanthi Education Officer at the Art Gallery of South Australia prior to being a full-time artist.
Shane is A Guwa (Koa), and Wulli Wulli man who grew up in Adelaide and is internationally and nationally recognised as a prominent First Nations aerosol artist and youth and cultural mentor.
Michael Kutschbach and Tania Taylor, awarded Pier Package 2 mural and Tinninyarana ‘Three Hunters’ freestanding art piece
Michael is a cross-disciplinary artist and educator, who will collaborate in a mentorship with Tania, a Senior Kaurna artist who is new to creating large scale public artworks.
Tom Borgas, awarded Pier Package 3 mural
Tom is an Adelaide-based artist who for the past 10 years has worked across multiple fields, exhibiting pieces throughout Australia.
Clancy Warner and Carly Dodd, awarded Mankamankarana ‘Seven Sisters’ freestanding art piece
Clancy is a full-time Adelaide-based sculptor, who has exhibited her pieces extensively throughout South Australia and Victoria and will be collaborating in a mentorship with Carly, a Kaurna, Narungga and Ngarrindjeri artist who is new to creating large scale public artworks.
Gerry McMahon, awarded Weaving Woman freestanding art piece
Gerry is a Prospect local and has been a full-time sculptor for the past 20 years, with an additional 15 years of skills and experience acquired from his previous occupation as a sheet metal tradesperson. Gerry has created sculptures throughout South Australia.
Erni Tinesz – awarded Mosaic Fire Pit freestanding art piece
Erni is the Creative Director of a leadlight design company and has worked with glass and mosaics for over 40 years, specialising in stained glass, etched glass, and glass mosaics, having designed and created over 4, 500 commissioned pieces.
All artists are currently working through detailed designs, with murals installation to commence from late June 2022 and freestanding art to be installed post-project completion – which will be managed by the City of Charles Sturt and the City of Prospect.