David Lee Pereira’s Rainbow Warriors mural is part of Merri-bek’s Renuwall initiative to beautify public spaces, engage the arts community in meaningful public artwork, and encourage creative and cultural exchange.
David’s mural speaks to the narratives and history of LGBTQIA+ people, acknowledging Merri-Bek as an inclusive space for all. The 22.5m wide, 4.5m high mural is located on the corner of 105 Sydney Road and Wilson Avenue, a high traffic location used by many in the community. As Queer artist and Queer-led agency together, our aim was to create something for local residents and visitors to take pride in, and represent the evolution of Queer culture and stories, to promote inclusion, acceptance, wellbeing, and pride.
Throughout his career, David has used his practice to study and develop a thorough respect and understanding of the natural environment and as such, he has a vested interest in botanical symbolism, alongside gender equality and queer visibility.
The mural depicts a scattered bouquet of tulips, with individual petals splayed out towards the edges of the wall. Amongst the stems and petals are assorted ephemera of queer identity; including matchboxes and statement pins, carefully selected and photographed in still life by the artist. These items represent statements of belonging, Queer empowerment, and Queer organisations that assist the community and express the history of LGBTQIA+ issues and people.
“Seeking inspiration, I delved into the Queer Archives, where I discovered a rich collection of badges, matchboxes, condoms, jewelry, posters, magazines, and books—a visual tapestry documenting decades of queer history. Immersed in this archive, I felt a profound connection to my queer ancestors and chosen family, whose activism and resilience continue to shape our community.” – David Lee Pereira
‘Rainbow Warriors’ advocates for visibility and the sharing of Queer stories, and celebrates of Queer history. Vibrant red Tulip flowers represent the resilience and brilliance of their self-identity, symbolised with delicate blooms which flourish in the face of oppression. The simple imagery of a fallen bouquet with petals strewn around evokes a complex response, giving the viewer a certain sense of discomfort or dismay meant to trigger a deeper reflection on the themes. Overall, the mural is a visual representation that stands in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities as an impactful and vital thread in the history and tapestry of our society.
The installation of this piece shows gratitude to the support of Merri-Bek Council and recognises the local community as a welcoming and inclusive place to meet, gather, and belong, both individually and collectively.
PROUDLY COMMISSIONED BY: Merri-bek City Council’s RenuWall program in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: Australian Queer Archives.
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY BY: Awoken Elk Media.
