Chalk the walk

A local artist is preparing to turn a functioning bridge into a work of art. The Observer speaks to one of the participants of the pavement art festival.

One of Haluk Isik's paintings which he is planning to recreate on the pavement.

From Turkey to Lane Cove to Pyrmont Bridge, Haluk Isik is about to take a step into the unknown. Along with 30 other Australian and International artists, Isik will take part in the Chalk the Walk Pavement Art Festival on Pyrmont Bridge, bringing the side walk alive with colour.

In 1998, Isik migrated to Australia from Turkey where he worked as a stage designer for the Turkish State Theatre Company.

Despite painting since the early 1980s and taking part in numerous exhibitions, upon arrival to Australia, Isik struggled to find work.

“At the beginning it was quite a challenge to support a family as a stage designer, so I got a steady job working as a designer in Events. I was stuck in that industry for quite a period of time but recently I’ve started working freelance and have been going back to painting again.”

Despite being an experienced artist, the Pavement Art Festival will be the first time Isik takes part in such an event and works on pavement with chalk.

“I’m really a fan of this kind of art. I’ve always wanted to do it but haven’t had the courage. I’ve worked with a range of materials in the past so I’m confident I will put something interesting down.”

The genre of pavement art has a long history in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages in Italy. Still hugely popular today, there are dozens of festivals and competitions held across North America and Europe each year.

This event marks Sydney’s first foray into the genre. “We’re really excited about creating this new event for Sydney,” says Festival Director Andi Mether, “this style of art is well celebrated overseas – it’s time to showcase the talent in Australia.”

Isik says what appeals to him most about pavement art is “the interaction with the people.”

With over 25,000 pedestrians crossing the bridge each day the festival will “bring art to the feet of the public,” says Isik, “people who perhaps have no interest in going to art galleries will be interacting with art.”

Passers-by will be able to take part in the festival by talking to the artists about the artwork being produced and the reasons behind it. In this way, pavement art bridges the gap between visual art and performance art.

To look at Isik’s images is to recognise something familiar and yet altogether unrecognisable. Isik calls his style ‘futuristic abstract landscapes’.

“What I do is a form of excavation of our future. I like to look at the way humans are changing our environment in a particular way.”

Whilst living in Turkey, Isik liked to visit ancient ruins sites and contemplate the way they “once existed, the way they presented, the way they changed the environment. I’m trying to convey a sense of past, present and future in my paintings,” he says.

Now in Sydney, Isik says he’s ready for change. “This is a completely new period for me.” He is particularly interested in Aboriginal culture and artwork. “What kind of output it will bring I don’t know at this stage.”

Allocated a two-by-three metre space in which to work, Isik will go into the Festival with a planned idea of what he will create.

The winning artist is chosen by three independent judges and will receive $5,000 in prize money and the title of Champion Pavement Artist.  A People’s Choice Award will also be given out at the completion of the event.

Isik has already come up with a strategy he hopes will catch the attention of passers-by and have him crowned Champion Pavement Artist. Unfortunately it’s an idea he’s keeping close to his chest.

The Chalk the Walk Pavement Art Festival takes place on Pyrmont Bridge on October 28–30.