Sydneysiders divided over Bondi Beach border policy mural

Disgusting, disgraceful and offensive — that is how some are describing the latest mural at Bondi Beach, with the artist behind it revealing its meaning.

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The French artist Henri Matisse once said that creativity takes courage.

And if Luke Cornish’s latest masterpiece is anything to go by, he has it in spades.

His vivid depiction of 24 Australian Border Force officers accompanied by the phrase “not welcome to Bondi” on one of the most recognisable beaches in Australia has received significant backlash, with some labelling it offensive.

Waverley Liberal councillor Leon Goltsman is one of those leading the social media charge for its immediate removal, backed by a chorus of calls from residents not wanting the beach to become politicised.

Mr Cornish, pictured, completed the mural this past weekend. Picture: John Appleyard

“What we now have are politically motivated offensive propaganda likely to offend families and turn away visitors,” he said.

Others, however, have jumped to the mural’s defence.

“Art was not meant to be comfortable. Look at Bosch, Breugel, Picasso and his great Guernica,” Mark Gould said.

Marrickville-based Mr Cornish, who uses the moniker E.L.K, was the first stencil artist to be nominated for an Archibald in 2012.

Mr Cornish said he thought the mural might get a reaction when the artistic juices got flowing and that council officers told him he could “pretty much do what (he) wanted, within reason” prior to taking paint to the wall.

The mural is proving popular with tourists today at Bondi Beach. Picture: John Appleyard

“If people got as upset about what was actually happening as they did about the mural the world would be a better place unfortunately,” he said.

“It’s not an attack on border force or the government, who’s really to blame are the people who don’t want to hear about it.

“The same people who just want to go to the beach and stick their fingers in their ears … that ignorance is what is allowing these sorts of things to happen.”

The vetting process for murals on the promenade at Bondi Beach is undertaken by a panel consisting of council staff and art experts.

The mural has the backing of Waverley mayor John Wakefield. Picture: John Appleyard

Mr Cornish’s mural - and the exhibition it is a part inspired by his three visits to Syria - is funded under council’s arts and cultures program.

“Art is subjective,” Waverley mayor John Wakefield said.

“Art is not decor and good art should solicit a reaction.

“The Bondi sea wall has been the location of art, social art with a message, from skateboarding culture to political commentary on things like terrorism.

“My political views or subjective opinions, or that of other councillors, do not come into play.”