THE devastating terror attacks in Brussels that killed 35 people and injured 300 have sparked a local hostel owner to pay tribute to those affected by the bombings.
Global Cafe and Bar owner Danny Simmonds has painted a life-sized mural on the wall of his cafe to show his support for the many European guests who stay at the attached hostel.
The mural depicts Maria from the Sound of Music movie in the iconic mountain scene holding two guns and with her face covered by a bandana.
“I decided to paint the iconic Sound of Music image as I know most Europeans can relate to it and most of our guests at our backpacker hostel behind the cafe are from Germany and Austria,” he said.
Danny said he wanted to depict Europe fighting against terrorism and while he had received positive feedback about the artwork, the image had not been without controversy.
Danny said he had been approached by people who are offended by the image and the notion of fighting terrorism with violence, but Danny said “it’s just a painting”.
“One out of 50 (people) find it offensive, which makes others angry,” he said.
“The reality is it’s just a painting. This kind of artwork is displayed in over 100 alleyways throughout Melbourne CBD, which is where I got the idea from.”
Danny said the image is designed to show support for Europe in the “current climate”.
“(The mural is to) show Europe not backing down and letting terrorism take over some of the most beautiful countries in the world,” he said.
Danny originally posted a photo of the artwork on the Sunshine Coast Community Board Facebook page earlier this month and said since then he had been inundated with phone calls about the work and people stopping by to have their photo taken with the mural.
“We have received nothing but phone calls regarding the post and have been asked by many not to take it down, with people coming by all day taking pictures of it,” he said.
The Global Bar and Cafe also features a painting of Ned Kelly and a young Queen Elizabeth in a Union Jack bikini on the walls.
Share your thoughts. We would love to know what you think. Is the mural offensive or does it show support for countries fighting terrorism? Send your thoughts to newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au.
