Internationally renown artist Matt Adnate flew back from half-way across the world this week to paint the town, as part of the Nowra Alive project.

For three days, the back wall of Nowra Library has transformed into a work of art, representing the indigenous people of Australia, Nowra and its culture.

It took 20 litres of paint and 70 spray cans for the Melbourne artist to recreate the image of an Aboriginal boy he snapped on a Northern Territory trip.

Adnate said the image was taken in the desert plains where he experienced indigenous people’s ancient culture and the immense beauty of their land.

“It wasn’t hard to feel inspired by,” he said.

His passion shines through Nowra’s latest mural, which he has accompanied with the image of a black cockatoo, a totem to the people of Nowra and the Yuin Nation.

Adnate said he used the deep, earthy tones to directly link to the Aboriginal flag.

“It pushes a very powerful message [of unification],” Adnate said.

He said it was an honour to put his mark on the Shoalhaven.

“I wasn’t dictated who I had to paint, so I picked the cream of the crop from thousands of my photos,” he said.

“I want it to represent the indigenous community as a whole.”

Adnate’s portraiture is in high-demand around the world, just last week he was painting in Singapore and is off to Johannesburg in South Africa on Friday to spread his vision.

Needless to say the locals love the new addition to the town.