The Zookeeper

Joel Fergie also known as ‘The Zookeeper’ is a Brisbane based artist who’s large scale artworks span from inner city urban laneways to remote regional communities throughout Central Australia. His large scale murals found on water towers and grain silos aim to disassemble the routines of daily life. Through nature, his work looks to bring feelings of positivity to people in public spaces. Exploring visual metaphor, The Zookeeper’s large public works connect a wide variety of viewers to many social and cultural subjects which are often overshadowed in traditional art forms. Growing up in Darwin, Northern Territory, an ever present fascination with the Australian wilderness shaped The Zookeeper’s passion for the environment. Through an adventurous childhood exploring remote communities across northern Australia, The Zookeeper’s art looks to share stories of those which go often under the radar. As street art expands from urban spaces into regional and remote spaces, The Zookeeper looks to explore the impact of this modern art form on those in these unique places. When creating public works, The Zookeeper looks to create strong relationships with the people within the communities in which his artworks sit. These relationships are integral in the development of the themes and concepts within his artwork. When creating an artwork in public space, The Zookeeper looks to develop themes which reflect the people in which these artworks relate. Although not always immediate. The relationship between an artwork and its community can invariably offer an opportunity for people to work through barriers that often divide one another. It is this challenge that pushes The Zookeeper to move into uncharted areas.