Renowned First Nations artists to create 350sqm mural in Fitzroy North
Salta’s new Build-to-Rent (BTR) community, Fitzroy & Co., will soon feature one of the largest pieces of public art in the City of Yarra – a 353 square metre mural by renowned Melbourne-based First Nations artist Lisa Waup.
The mural, which will be painted on two sides of the 14-storey building, is a striking monochromatic piece which features Waup’s distinctive linework.
Titled ‘Convergence’, the artwork celebrates First Nations storytelling while capturing the spirit and character of Fitzroy North, highlighting the building’s connection with its residents, the local community and history of the area.
Waup, who has exhibited in countless national and international exhibitions, says the mural will be visible to neighbouring suburbs and will celebrate the relationships between people, Country and community.
“In my work, circles represent family and community, while lines explore paths of connection between people, place and time,” Ms Waup said.
“The mural was created considering the continuity of First Peoples culture and story in Victoria, and our shared responsibilities and connections to each other and to Country.”
“The closeness to the Merri Creek, the sense of nature and our own experiences and stories contributed to the thinking behind this work.
“I loved the idea that within this building, spaces are being created for residents to come together and connect with one another, and their local community.
“This work is significant for me – it's the first time I will be able to translate one of my works on paper to a mural of this scale. It’s exciting to think that the work will become a legacy for this community and generations to come.”
Fitzroy & Co. is being developed by Salta and is the first project for its new BTR platform Est., which will ultimately deliver over 4,000 high-quality and well-located rental apartments across Melbourne.
Salta Chief Operating Officer Emma Woodhouse says public artwork will be a key feature across the Est. portfolio, and is one of many ways the brand is forging long-term relationships with residents and local communities.
“Art is about more than just aesthetic appeal – it helps shape the character of an area, connect communities and build a united sense of belonging,” Ms Woodhouse said.
“The scale of this mural makes it not only a unique point of difference for Fitzroy & Co. residents, but means the art will become a legacy piece for the area, so it was important to ensure it was of an exceptional standard with strong relevance to the local community.
“Our vision was to collaborate with an artist who could bring to life all that is unique about this wonderful part of Melbourne.
“The brief was to create an artwork that tells the story of the area’s natural beauty, with Merri Creek and its abundant wildlife, the strong sense of community within the neighbourhood, and the proud history of its First Nations people.
“Lisa’s mural speaks to all of these elements, and most importantly it reminds us of the importance of connection to both our surroundings and other people. These themes will be at the heart of all our Est. projects, and ‘Convergence’ will be a visual reminder of this”.
It is anticipated the mural will be complete by early May. For more information about Fitzroy and Co. please visit estrentals.com.au.
“The closeness to the Merri Creek, the sense of nature and our own experiences and stories contributed to the thinking behind this work.
“I loved the idea that within this building, spaces are being created for residents to come together and connect with one another, and their local community.
“This work is significant for me – it's the first time I will be able to translate one of my works on paper to a mural of this scale. It’s exciting to think that the work will become a legacy for this community and generations to come.”
Fitzroy & Co. is being developed by Salta and is the first project for its new BTR platform Est., which will ultimately deliver over 4,000 high-quality and well-located rental apartments across Melbourne.
Salta Chief Operating Officer Emma Woodhouse says public artwork will be a key feature across the Est. portfolio, and is one of many ways the brand is forging long-term relationships with residents and local communities.
“Art is about more than just aesthetic appeal – it helps shape the character of an area, connect communities and build a united sense of belonging,” Ms Woodhouse said.
“The scale of this mural makes it not only a unique point of difference for Fitzroy & Co. residents, but means the art will become a legacy piece for the area, so it was important to ensure it was of an exceptional standard with strong relevance to the local community.
“Our vision was to collaborate with an artist who could bring to life all that is unique about this wonderful part of Melbourne.
“The brief was to create an artwork that tells the story of the area’s natural beauty, with Merri Creek and its abundant wildlife, the strong sense of community within the neighbourhood, and the proud history of its First Nations people.
“Lisa’s mural speaks to all of these elements, and most importantly it reminds us of the importance of connection to both our surroundings and other people. These themes will be at the heart of all our Est. projects, and ‘Convergence’ will be a visual reminder of this”.
It is anticipated the mural will be complete by early May. For more information about Fitzroy and Co. please visit estrentals.com.au.