'Beyond the Walls' street art completed

25th August 2021

‘Beyond the Walls’ in Barraba

Barraba Public Art committee are pleased to announce that the latest public art project in Barraba is now complete.

Beyond the Walls, by internationally acclaimed artist Jenny McCracken, is an explosion of colour and nature, featuring local landmark Horton Falls in all its rich and glorious beauty.

Committee member Emily Bowman explains that it is hoped this latest art instalment will encourage visitors to the recently completed silo art mural, which sits on the outskirts of town, to also visit the township.

“The committee’s vision is to create inspiring public art that will attract visitors to our beautiful town – people who will walk down our streets, meet the locals, shop in our shops and stay over-night in our pubs, hotels and motels.

Horton Falls are a very popular summertime destination with locals, and they hold fond memories for many. After many years of drought, the falls are once again flowing freely, and this is truly something to celebrate.

Jenny McCracken has perfectly captured this emotion, along with the natural beauty and rich diversity of wildlife in the area.”

There are 3D elements to the piece, along with numerous local species of birds and other animals depicted. In total there are 8 animals to be spotted by day.

Extract from Jenny McCracken’s Artist Statement:

‘Beyond the walls’ is an illusory image of breaking through the constructs of civilization to a wonderland of treasured memories and natural beauty.  Horton Falls, backdrop of the mural, is a local landmark where generations of Barraba families have enjoyed refreshing afternoons, camping, swimming, picnicking and exploring. 

The surrounding bush is a haven for wildlife, birds in particular.  Five of the more than a dozen different species of parrots found locally are featured, including the rarest, and one of the most common.  The little swift parrot, and the galah are the smallest and largest birds depicted, and a king parrot, a red rumped parrot and an eastern rosella, along with a pacific, or white necked heron all appear to be taking flight.

You can imagine whoops and calls of delight have disturbed the peace, as a figure swings out over the deep pool at the base of the falls.