Drawing from the natural environment to enrich the area, VEINS‘ signature visual language and love for the mesmerising beauty of Australian landscapes and flora takes centre stage of this mural. In his distinctive contemporary style of bold colours and dappled light, a serene landscape illuminated with golden sunset hues activates the surrounding bushland into its urban site context. The finished mural wraps around this once blank building with a radiant composition, drawing on the impressive and vibrant palette of our environment.
This piece counters ongoing climate anxiety expressed by young people, embodied with a sense of natural fertility, water and life, reminding viewers to appreciate and preserve beauty as it already exists in our environment. As a part of VEINS‘ ongoing practice, this work aims to inspire kids and adults to get out and explore the land surrounding them just as he did, hopefully to gain a deeper appreciation and knowledge for the area’s natural history.
Using references from nearby Jacana Wetlands, Jacksons Deep, Emu Creek, Maribyrnong River and Moonee Ponds Creek, the final design features significant plants and animals including wombat, cockatoo, blue tongue, kookaburra, koala and kangaroos hidden within. Alongside iconic River Red Gum, Kangaroo grass, Swamp Gum, Tall sedge, Black-anther Flax-lily, Mana Gum, Spreading Eutaxia, are a handful of other key native plants that boost habitat protection and growth.
