Council is pleased to announce Chinese-Australian contemporary calligraphic artist, Bryan Mew, will create Council's 2026 Lunar New Year mural.
Bryan, an artist from Kingsgrove, will paint his mural Kumquat Blessings & The Fire Horse live at Westfield Hurstville. You can see his work from 7 to 19 February. The finished artwork will be unveiled at Council's Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday 21 February.
The mural honours the Year of the Fire Horse. It features bold black ink, bright reds, and golds. The imagery draws inspiration from kumquats, prosperity, and traditional Chinese characters. It blends ancient calligraphy with modern painting to create a work that feels both cultural and contemporary.
Bryan grew up in Hurstville after moving from Hong Kong in 2001. After studying art in Melbourne, living in Tokyo and travelling to reconnect to his Chinese heritage, he returned to Sydney last year. He looked for opportunities to connect with his local community with his art.
"I visited grocery stores and restaurants and had chats with familiar faces in Hurstville. I had a really good idea to bring my inspiration from travels back home and in Asia, newfound love of reconnecting with my culture and art practices with Chinese characters to express my Australian identity in this mural."
"I've seen past murals walking by in Hurstville and its always caught my attention. I wanted to do something for the community, something relevant to my culture and something my family holds true to Lunar New Year.
"For someone who has grown up in Australia, Lunar New Year is really important for me and my family as it is a true moment of reconnection and annual return to memories, and culture.
"In a multicultural context, it's a living bridge between culture and living as a Chinese Australian and letting it evolve.
"Lunar New Year is a time to honour where I came from and accept my diverse culture and background and be confident having a hybrid identity in Australia is a good thing."
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said the mural is a proud moment for community celebration.
"Lunar New Year is one of our biggest cultural celebrations, and we welcome everyone to join in," Mayor Borg said.
"Art has the power to bring people together, and Bryan's work reflects the harmony and diversity we see every day in Hurstville and wider Georges River area."
"We congratulate Bryan on this achievement and look forward to seeing the mural come to life in our city."
Council invited Asian-Australian artists to submit ideas for a temporary Lunar mural. This project aims to boost cultural vibrancy in Hurstville CBD.
Watch Bryan paint Kumquat Blessings and The Fire Horse live! Join us at Level 1, across from Woolworths in Westfield Hurstville. This event runs from February 7 to 19. Please note times are to the artists' discretion.
To learn more about Council's Lunar New Year Festival, visit Council's Lunar New Year webpage.
