Art Pharmacy was engaged by Goodman to implement a mural project in South Dandenong, Victoria.
Art Pharmacy was engaged to commission a welcoming mural for the unveiling of Eumemmerring Business Park in South Dandenong. The 6.5 hectare development, built using sustainable design principles, is situated 31 km south-east of Melbourne’s Central Business District.
Eumemmerring Business Park stands on Bunurong Country and Goodman sought to collaborate with a locally-based First Nations artist to connect the site with its rich cultural roots. Goodman proposed placing a welcoming large-scale artwork on an exterior feature wall as an inviting entrance into the precinct.
“Everywhere we go, the biosphere is embedded…the tree cannot be separated from the life that survives off of it.”
– Adam Magennis (Kaptify)
Art Pharmacy chose the wall location for its visibility. It is visible from the Business Park’s entrance on Abbotts Road and from higher vantage points in the distance. Furthermore, the mural invites both staff and visitors into the Business Park through storytelling, engaging visuals and bright colours.
Selecting the Artist
Art Pharmacy collaborated with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC). BLCAC is the official body representing the Traditional Owners of the South Dandenong area. Together, they proposed an extensive list of suitable artists working in the public realm. After several workshops, Goodman chose to move forward with Bunurong Elder and locally-famed public artist Adam Magennis. He was commissioned to create a 10 metre high welcome mural on the site.
The Narrative
Art Pharmacy proposed the narrative Caring For Our Red Gum Memory as guidance for the artist. This narrative reflects on the way industrial growth has historically impacted the flora and fauna of a region. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to heal Country as we move forward together.
The artwork draws inspiration from the Eucalyptus Camaldulensis, or River Red Gum, found in large numbers around the site. As a result, the artwork focuses on what brings us all together and how art can be a way of connection.
Several stages of concept development and detailed design followed. Ultimately, these resulted in the unveiling of a visually striking, vivid and hyper-detailed mural. The work is painted in Magennis’ iconic graphic and colourful style. It depicts the River Red Gum’s role in the ecosystem of the Dandenong and Bayside Wetlands. As Magennis notes, “Everywhere we go, the biosphere is embedded. The tree cannot be separated from the life that survives off of it.”
Art Pharmacy hopes this mural will inspire and welcome all those who pass by or enter the Eumemmerring Business Park, and bring a sense of connection to those who tread lightly on Bunurong land.
Artist bio
Kaptify’s unique art style is influenced by Cultural Ecology, Surrealism and landscape art. Developed over the thirty years since Kaptify’s inception, the style fuses local biosphere themes to create site-specific artworks.
Kaptify delivers cultural ecology programs on Bunurong Country as well as artist in residency programs, public mural projects and public art maintenance and conservation.
Adam Magennis is additionally a Bunurong Elder and one of the founding members of the Bunurong Land Council.
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Special thanks to Goodman and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) for making this project possible.
