Acclaimed artists combine talents for mural

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A mural by two well-known Hobart artists has crossed generational boundaries to bring a new element of fun and colour to Wellington Court.

The artwork is a significant collaboration between acclaimed Hobart artists Tom Samek and Tom O’Hern, who have combined their unique styles to create Fox Trot Polka Dot as part of the City of Hobart’s Urban Art Walls program.

The 20-metre long mural adorns the entrance to the Argyle Street carpark, contributing to a vibrant and inviting pedestrian thoroughfare.

The family-friendly artwork features a collection of “dancing, marching and frolicking creatures” that lead from the carpark towards the Bank Arcade.

The artists describe the mural as a nod to the old metro motors and Belvedere Dance Hall that existed in the area prior to the Argyle Street Carpark. The flow of foot traffic is a reminder of the now hidden course of the Hobart Rivulet, which flows under the city.

“Then it moves into animals dancing for the old dance hall and marching out toward the Bank Arcade and a big money note.”

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the mural by two well-known local street artists would become an artistic showpiece.

“Tom Samek is an accomplished artist who has really made his mark on the Tasmanian street art scene and beyond,” Cr Reynolds said. “As an established and respected artist, he is effectively passing the baton to his younger counterpart.

“Tom O’Hern has already made a name for himself as a provocative and talented artist in his own right. He is part of a new generation of artists, for whom Samek and others have forged a path and provided inspiration to carry on and evolve the genre.

“We’re thrilled to have this piece of art become part of our city and its story.”

The mural is the 33rd artwork created under the Urban Art Walls program, which continues to bring high-quality urban art to Hobart’s streetscapes.

About the artists

Tom Samek is a celebrated Tasmanian artist with a long history of public art. Born in Prague, he is an artist of great diversity and immense skill. He describes himself as painter, sculptor, printmaker, mural artist, theatre set designer and film animator.

Tom O’Hern is Hobart-based artist that works across street art and fine arts practice. He is prominent in the street art community and also regularly exhibits in galleries locally and interstate. His work is iconic and typically works with darkly humorous Tasmanian popular culture subject material.

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