Sindy Sinn’s mural, “The Great Bin Chicken Apology,” is redefining Sydney’s urban landscape and shedding light on environmental issues surrounding the iconic Australian ibis.
From Newtown’s alleys to Surry Hills’ facades, Sinn’s masterful use of colour and form has indelibly marked Sydney’s cultural tapestry, pushing street art to new heights of creative expression.
Starting with humble band gig posters, Sindy gradually found himself immersed in a world of burgeoning opportunities. As bars began connecting him with brands and he became surrounded by fellow creatives, he found himself in the perfect place at the perfect time.
Throughout this transformative period, Sindy’s style has evolved, embracing a newfound confidence in simplicity where less truly becomes more. This artistic evolution is beautifully exemplified in his latest collaboration, a captivating mural featuring the iconic Australian Ibis, affectionately known as the bin chicken, bin raven, or our personal favourite, the hell hawk.
Adorning the side of the Lord Gladstone, an Inner West pub, the mural depicts a poignant scene—a forlorn ibis peering into an empty rubbish bin. With a touch of tongue-in-cheek humor, it serves as an ‘apology’ for depleting the bird’s primary source of sustenance: our scraps and waste.
Sindy’s mural launch is accompanied by a thought-provoking campaign called “The Great Bin Chicken Apology.” Posters bearing Sindy’s work will be displayed in major cities across Australia, encouraging passersby to reflect on their own unintentional contributions to environmental degradation and the welfare of native wildlife.
The impact of Sindy’s work extends beyond the surface, as it serves as a powerful reminder of the environmental issues surrounding food waste. According to a recent study commissioned by HelloFresh, Australians hold divided opinions on the ideal diet for the Australian White Ibis. Surprisingly, only 42% of respondents correctly identified that the bird’s optimal diet consists of ground insects like worms and small insects, leaving 68% unaware of this fact.
While the Bin Chicken is widely embraced as an iconic Australian symbol, perceptions of the bird remain split. The majority (62%) consider it “iconically Aussie,” with 43% labeling it as “unique” and 23% finding it “beautiful.”
However, 25% view it as “messy,” 19% as “pests,” and 13% even deem it “gross.” Concerned about the bird’s diet, 72% of Australians express a desire to contribute to ensuring the Bin Chicken enjoys a healthier meal than human food scraps and leftovers.
HelloFresh, acknowledging the impact of food waste on the environment, has apologized to the White Ibis for reducing its food source and encourages mindful meal planning, proper food storage, and buying only what is necessary to minimize waste. By making these changes, Australians can positively impact both their own meals and the dietary habits of the beloved Bin Chicken.
In a world where art has the power to inspire change, Sindy Sinn is at the forefront, using his talents to shed light on important environmental issues and spark conversations that can lead to positive action.