🎨 Empire Mural by Baret – Cairns, QLD
📍 Empire Arcade + Bar, Grafton Street, Cairns CBD
🖌️ Artist: Baret
📅 Completed: Mid-2025

This bold, large-scale mural by Cairns-based artist Baret transforms the facade of Empire Arcade + Bar into an eye-catching visual experience. The artwork centres around a striking split-tone portrait — one half glowing in red, the other washed in turquoise — with piercing eyes and a fierce, warrior-like expression.

Beside the figure, a swirling sea dragon emerges from the wall in vibrant teal hues, its presence both powerful and hypnotic. The piece is anchored by oversized tropical florals and a bold "EMPIRE" wordmark that stretches across the venue’s entrance, blending grit and grace in a captivating urban style.

The mural wraps around built-in seating and the entranceway, creating a fully immersive experience that invites locals and visitors alike to pause, snap a photo, or simply soak in the energy.

A fusion of fantasy, nature, strength, and duality — this piece is a vivid celebration of Cairns’ growing street art culture.