Kyle Hughes-Odgers completes Perth Airport mural

Fremantle Press illustrator and internationally renowned street artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers has finished his largest public artwork to date.

The 22-day project spans nine walls and is located at Perth Airport between the T1 Perth International Terminal and the T2 Domestic Terminal complex.

‘It was great to have the opportunity to create such a massive public artwork at the gateway to the place I call home,’ said Kyle.

The concept for the artwork is an abstract aerial view of flying across the globe, over Western Australia and into Perth City. Kyle said the mural inadvertently linked to the messages and themes of his soon-to-be-released children’s book On a Small Island.

‘Painting an artwork 80 metres by six metres at the international airport of Perth – an isolated city in an isolated country – has parallels to what my character Ari decides to do in On a Small Island. For me, it’s about being enthusiastic and excited to contribute to the place you call home,’ said Kyle.

The final artwork incorporates 3D and LED elements, which transform the mural at night. The mural has been completed and can be viewed at Perth Airport.

‘I aim to make works that engage the audience on multiple levels, such as the conceptual approach, colour theory, pattern, scale, technique and pure aesthetics. I hope people connect with one or all aspects of each work,’ said Kyle.

Kyle Hughes-Odgers is the winner of the 2013 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award and the illustrator of the popular children’s book Ten Tiny Things by Meg McKinlay. On a Small Island will be released on 1 October 2014.

This year Kyle will travel to Melbourne, where he has been commissioned to paint a wall for Barkly Square Shopping Centre in Brunswick, and to Sydney, where he will participate in Project Five at Darling Quarter.