Burwood Brickworks Art Installation

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Balarinji was engaged by Frasers Property Australia to design public art installations for Burwood Brickworks in Victoria, Australia, the world’s most sustainable shopping centre. Balarinji worked with local Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Njuari illum wurrung artist, Mandy Nicholson to develop an artwork concept that was deeply embedded to Place and reflected the Wurundjeri culture. The installations included a ceiling mural and outer facade murals.

Tags

Indigenous design, Art installation, Public art, Retail, Interior design

Production Technology

The artwork Balarinji commissioned was co-designed with Mandy Nicholson. Nicholson developed the artwork concept following a site visit where she learnt the story of the site and its positioning within Country, including its context to local landmarks. Balarinji developed the design for the outer facade and ceiling mural. The outer facade was hand painted by the artist, while the ceiling mural was vinyl printed before being installed.

Design Challenge

The project had to meet the criteria of the Living Building Challenge which meant the building had to contribute to the local community’s sense of place and celebrate local culture, spirit and place. Balarinji’s design concept reflected the local Wurundjeri culture and referenced local landmarks. The project embedded Aboriginal culture and gave a voice to a segment of society rarely heard from in a positive and inclusive way and celebrated local stories, people, environment and history.

Project Duration

The project was finished in November 2019. The location of the project is in Burwood East, Victoria, Australia

Research

The site is on the traditional lands of patrilineal Wurundjeri-wilam clan. Wurundjeri culture has many different elements, including language (Woiwurrung), dance, ceremony, song, animals and the environment. These are physical or tangible elements of culture,
but within those are six interconnected spiritual elements: Forest Country, Sky Country, Wind Country, Water Country, On Country and Below Country. Wurundjeri art has a very unique style and includes symmetrical lines and diamond motifs.

Inspiration

Balarinji’s design concept was based on artwork from local Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung artist, Mandy Nicholson, and reflected the six elements of Wurundjeri culture, Forest Country, Sky Country, Wind Country, Water Country, On Country and Below Country. The black and white linework also includes references to local geographical landmarks.

Colors of Burwood Brickworks Art Installation