
Photo by: Fiona Kly
Katoomba Water Tank Art - New South Wales
Artist: PeQue
Location: Valley Road, Katoomba, NSW
Proudly owned by: Sydney Water
Video by: SydneyWaterTV
In a creative collaboration between Street Art Murals Australia (SAMA) and Sydney Water, internationally acclaimed Mexican street artist Peque has brought new life to the water tank in Katoomba with an impressive and vibrant mural. This initiative not only celebrates art but also addresses practical issues surrounding the maintenance and preservation of Sydney Water’s assets.
Peque dedicated two weeks in 2015 to painting a stunning 144-square-meter mural on the Katoomba Water Reservoir, located on Valley Road. The mural showcases an intricate underwater scene, featuring a variety of aquatic marine life within an expansive aquarium. This vivid portrayal serves as a visual metaphor for the enormity of the water tank, emphasizing the vast capacity it holds and its crucial role in the local water supply.
Peque’s artistic intervention offers an innovative solution to the ongoing problem of graffiti on Sydney Water assets. By covering the tank with such a striking piece of art, the mural not only beautifies the area but also acts as a deterrent to future graffiti. As a result, it will likely reduce the need for future graffiti removal efforts, ultimately saving Sydney Water considerable costs and resources.
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Peque moved to Sydney with his family and became an Australian resident in 2012. His background and international experience as a street artist have helped him create works that resonate on a global scale, blending cultural influences with contemporary street art techniques.
While the mural has made a lasting impact, it’s important to note that the tank remains quite difficult to access, which presents challenges in both maintenance and ongoing upkeep.
This mural is part of a larger movement to integrate art with functional infrastructure, turning ordinary structures into visually compelling and community-focused landmarks.
Source:
Blue Mountains Gazette