High-speed art takes to Coast trams

Passengers on the Gold Coast light rail will be treated to a high-speed art installation this summer, courtesy of talented Griffith graduate Cynthia Cabello.

As part of the Urban Oasis public art program, G:link carriages will be wrapped in Cynthia’s colourful artwork, inspired by the city’s balmy weather and tropical lifestyle.

Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates unveiled the new look tram today, and praised Cynthia’s striking design.

“The light rail creates a constantly moving canvas,” she said.

“It’s absolutely stunning and I’m excited to see people’s reactions to it as it makes its way from Southport to Broadbeach this summer.

“We’re committed to commissioning public art that incorporates and supports local artists in their development, and encourages the Gold Coast community to engage with the artwork.”

Positivepublic response to artwork

Gold Coast residents were asked to vote online for their favourite design, following a city-wide call for entries.

The Burleigh Heads resident was overwhelmed by the response to her artwork.

“At first I didn’t believe that my design had won,” Cynthia said.

“As an artist, you’re never totally happy with your own work, but the public response to my design has given me so much confidence.”

Cynthia’s vibrant design will remain on the tram until April 2017.

During that time, it will be seen by more than 600,000commuters each month. Tens of thousands more will see the tram as it winds along the light rail corridor from Broadbeach to Griffith University.

“It is amazing exposure for my work,” Cynthia said.

“I use the tram a lot myself, so I can’t wait to see it every day!”

Cynthia is a graduate of the Queensland College of Art, and was mentored by QCA Deputy Director Dr Dominique Falla as part of the project.

“Dominique was actually my teacher a few years back when I studied illustration, and she is a remarkable teacher, so it was nice to come full circle and work with her again,” she said.

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City of colour

Cynthia created a series of hand drawn A4 illustrations using pencil and ink, using a range of vibrant colours.

The Mexican-born artist wanted to reflect her love of her adopted city.

“I tried to use energetic colours that reflect the city’s lifestyle and landscape,” Cynthia said.

“There is blue for the skies and ocean, green for the hinterland, yellow for the sunshine and a mix of colours to reflect all of the different cultures here on the coast.

“To me, this part of the worldis paradise, but sometimes you take it for granted. This project made me stand back and appreciate it with new eyes.”

Cynthia has just finished a Master of Screen Production at Griffith Film School. The talented artist and animator is about to embark on more study, enrolling in a Diploma of Education at Griffith’s Mt Gravatt campus.

“I want to be a high school teacher and share my love of art,” she said.