Ballarat mourns award-winning artist Josh Muir who died on Saturday

Ballarat is in mourning after the death of Josh Muir, an award-winning artist known for his bright street-art-inspired pieces.

Ballarat is mourning artist Josh Muir who died on Saturday. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Friends and colleagues are mourning the death of award-winning Ballarat artist Josh Muir, who is reported to have died on Saturday.

The Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta man was known for his bright street-art-inspired pieces produced on metal sheets.

He was involved with many art galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia and Bendigo Art Gallery.

Mr Muir’s work was also projected onto the National Gallery of Victoria during White Night in 2016.

Josh Muir is being remembered for his oustanding contributions to art across Victoria. Picture: Supplied

City of Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates said it was “heartbreaking news”.

“Josh leaves a lasting legacy in the Ballarat and Australian art communities through his distinctive works,” she said.

“He liked to say ‘aim for the stars, not the streetlights”.

MARS Gallery director Andy Dinan said she first worked with Mr Muir in 2016.

“How do you convey so many moments, that absolute joy, when an artist walks into their solo [and] lifts you into the air, laughing [and] screaming thank you, seeing their hard work come together,” she said.

Supplied Editorial Art by Josh Muir behind the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Photo: Visit Ballarat

Oakleigh printing business Print 2 Metal wrote that Mr Muir was “always a delight to work with and his genuine warmth of character will be truly missed”.

One friend wrote that it was “such a sad time for our people, and our generation when we lose someone so young and so full of life”.

“A father, a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend to many,” she said.

Another user said the cause of death was a heart attack.