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Kentaro Yoshida
Waratah & Rhododendron, 2021

With this work artist Kentaro Yoshida hopes to communicate ideas of joy, celebrating culture and bringing people together:

"The Waratah flower represents the local community, and Rhododendron flower [national flower of Tibet] represents those who need support. Waratah dances with the sun, like locals enjoy the life on the Northern Beaches. The Rhododendron has a chilling time with the moon while it cuddles other animals, as people who need support from the community can have a relaxing & cosy environment because of support at the centre. The flowers grow from both sides of the mural and finally meet each other in the middle.”

Waratah & Rhododendron was created with assistance from artist Sho Yoneya and senior St Augustine’s College students, and in collaboration with the Community Centre and local Tibetan community representatives.

Artist bio 

Kentaro Yoshida was born and raised in a rural fishing village in Toyama, Japan. At the age of 18, he moved to Australia in pursuit of sunny beaches and a more balanced lifestyle. Currently based in the Northern Beaches, Kentaro is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer who is passionate about both traditional and digital media. Kentaro’s work is known for its exuberant characters, narrative style, skilful composition and quirky sense of humour. He has worked with various international brands, as well as on private commissions, and recently completed a major mural commission at the Art Gallery of New South Wales for the Japan Supernatural exhibition (2 Nov 2019 – 8 Mar 2020).