Quirky vision of slugs and bugs slithers into CBD

Published on 14 August 2024

Tasmanian visual artist Tom O'Hern is this week installing a quirky new mural on the Criterion Place public toilet facilities in Launceston's CBD.

O'Hern was selected by the City of Launceston following a public Expressions of Interest process earlier this year, which sought applications from Tasmanian artists to create a mural for the site.

With more than two decades of experience creating large-scale wall murals across Tasmania, O'Hern is known for an offbeat papier-mâché mask he wears during public appearances.

He said was excited to be adding more colour to Launceston's city centre.

"This mural is going to be lots of slugs and bugs," O'Hern said.

"It's reflective of a lot of things I've been reading about lately in the ecological space."

City of Launceston Acting Mayor Hugh McKenzie said he was delighted to see another street art mural being installed in Launceston.

"The City of Launceston has been partnering with some really creative and talented street artists in recent times like Kira Simmonds, Patrick Camino, Mel McVee and Jamin," Acting Mayor McKenzie said.

"It's exciting to see Tom O'Hern added to that list, and to have a prominent space in our CBD turned over to Tom's unique creative vision.

"The work Tom is doing will really brighten up this corner of our city centre and I can't wait to see the mural complete."