some demons strolling around playing music all day and night because they have nothing better to do and it is very fun

Jason Phu

Gertrude was pleased to present a street-facing commission by Gertrude Studio Artist Jason Phu.  

Jason Phu's commission at Gertrude Contemporary comprised a large-scale and colourful mural featuring an ensemble of lively, musical demons. Forming a joyous marching band, the procession included percussion-playing figures, living instruments, singing spirits, and even a French horn hybrid snail. The mural was conceived by Phu, a Gertrude Studio Artist, as a bright and uplifting scene for the community and especially children, celebrating the importance of music in lifting our moods during difficult times.

Phu’s work is like a blood orange. Someone will slice it open and be like “oh why is this orange red,” and then someone else will say “that is a blood orange you idiot,” and then there will be someone else nearby who says “ahh no I can’t see the juice squirted in my eyes and now I’m blind,” and then while this whole commotion is going on another person has taken a slice to enjoy on the sand by the ocean.

The artwork had accompanying audio which was only able to be experienced in person. Commissioned as a gesture to High Street in Preston during lockdown in Melbourne due to COVID-19, the mural was visible for passers-by within the permitted radius of travel.