Vibrant mural transforms Geelong silo

A VIBRANT large-scale mural depicting an arrangement of native Australian blooms has given a former water tower at the Federal Mills precinct in North Geelong a new lease on life.

Set against a dramatic black backdrop, the bright and intricate design features more than 50 colours and flows upwards, wrapping itself around the cylindrical structure, creating a contrast to the rugged, industrial heritage of the surrounding mill.

The silo art project was designed and painted – entirely by hand with a 25mm paintbrush and the assistance of a boom lift – by acclaimed Bellarine Peninsula artist Sai Neoh, whose works also adorn the exteriors of several buildings in Portarlington.

“This design is intended to ensure people notice the entire structure…making it way more attractive and interesting and noticeable and bringing positive vibes to the people that see it,” Neoh said.

“Since I’ve been painting it, I’ve discovered the idea that you look at it and notice it as a big arrangement of flowers, that’s one experience. But, if you stop and look at one point, one area, you might notice little moments and details in it.

“I really like that aspect of it.”

Neoh’s decision to paint the mural with a brush was dictated by the site, with the porous and undulated concrete of his silo canvas proving unsuitable for a roller and spray paint rejected in favour of the crisp lines better achieved with a brush.

“As with all artistic projects, I had ideas of things that I hadn’t really tested, but adapting is part of it,”he said.

“Until you get up and know the surface of the wall, and the wind and the conditions, you don’t truly know what you’re dealing with. So, you go there with an open mind and start doing it… and keep on going with it until it’s done.”

Now complete, he hopes the project will serve as inspiration to the region’s young art students and emerging artists.

Cam Hamilton, managing director of the Hamilton Group – which owns the Federal Mills precinct – said the silo had been a blank canvas awaiting the right opportunity for creative expression.

“It became pretty clear to us soon after [Neoh] joined [the company] that he knew a fair bit about street art and large-scale murals, and just has a nous for contemporary culture and the integration of art into built environments.

“When we saw Sai’s plan [for the structure], we knew we had found the right solution which reflects the value we place on the site’s connection to the land.”

He said the outcome was not only impactful but also meaningful.

“As the saying goes ‘Fortune favours the bold’, and we’re always excited to support big, bold ideas. We encourage our team to take risks and push boundaries, and Sai certainly delivered with a vision that reflects that spirit.

“Aside from the obvious enjoyment the project is bringing to everyone on site, we hope Sai’s artwork will catch the eye of passers-by on the highway, sparking an interest and ultimately driving more visitors to Federal Mills.

“We believe it’s a really great addition to not only the Federal Mills precinct, but Geelong as a whole.”