Rationale

Artwork Title: Resilient 

The aim of this piece is to celebrate the strength and stoicism of country towns like Benalla. HWJ has chosen to use the word Resilient, the embodiment of what it takes to sustain rural communities. Coming from a small country town in West Gippsland himself, he understands the need for these communities to come together to be strong in the face of adversity. The palette is inspired by the sunrise/sets often seen in the area.

About HWJ

HWJ is a Melbourne-based multidisciplinary artist, designer, and illustrator. His work explores colour, form, and symbolism through a language of typographic abstraction, blending traditional mark-making with contemporary influences. Rooted in conceptualism and geometry, HWJ’s art examines introspection, human connection, representation, and power dynamics in an increasingly polarised world. With nearly a decade of experience, his creative practice spans murals, commissions, exhibitions, illustration, design, animation, and moving image. Through these mediums, HWJ invites audiences to engage deeply, reflecting on the complexities of modern life and the ways art can challenge, connect, and inspire.