Renowned First Nations Artist Completes Spectacular Mural In Fitzroy North

One of the largest pieces of public art in the City of Yarra has been unveiled at a new apartment building in Fitzroy North, which is being delivered to help address Melbourne’s critical shortage of high quality and well-located rental accommodation.

Fitzroy & Co., by privately owned developer, owner and manager Salta, is a new rental-only building that will open in the coming months and feature a massive 376 square metre mural spanning 14 storeys by renowned local First Nations artist Lisa Waup.

Painted on two sides of the building and visible to neighbouring suburbs in Melbourne’s inner-north, the mural has been conceived to communicate connection, and is a striking monochromatic piece featuring Waup’s distinctive line work.

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 the area’s history.

Waup, who has exhibited in numerous national and international exhibitions and is of Gunditjmara, Torres Strait and Italian background, said the mural celebrates the relationships between people, Country and community.

“It was really important as part of this work to understand where the building lies and the space around it, and the artwork can act as a conduit to connect the natural to the urban,” Waup said.

“Convergence really embodies the idea of community, of coming together and thinking of Fitzroy & Co. as a residential place that has a gathering of people from all over.

“The circles represent family and community, while the lines represent connecting paths – not only people connecting within Fitzroy & Co. but also the idea that the building and ‘Convergence’ embrace the community around it too.”

Waup said there had already been an overwhelmingly positive reaction from people who have noticed the mural. Riders along the Merri Creek, artists and members of the public have all approached her directly, excited to find out more about the project.

“It’s the first time I have been able to translate one of my works on paper to a mural of this scale, so it’s been amazing to get that reaction and it’s exciting to think this will be in the community for many years to come,” she said.

Fitzroy & Co. is the first rental-only building offered to the market by Salta as part of its build-to-rent platfrom, Est. It aims to reduce the friction and create ease in renting with no agents, no inspection queues and the ability to personalise apartments with paint, pictures and other fixtures, as well as pet friendly policies. The first residents will move into Fitzroy & Co. from September.

Salta Chief Operating Officer Emma Woodhouse said Est. embraced public artwork as a way of forging long-term relationships with residents and local communities.

“Art plays a crucial role in defining the spirit of a place, fostering community bonds and creating a shared identity,” Ms Woodhouse said.

“Through this incredible mural, Lisa has created a legacy piece for the area, and captured all the unique elements that make Melbourne’s inner north so dynamic and engaging.

“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 reminds us of the importance of connection to both our surroundings and other people, themes which will be at the heart of all our Est. projects.”

For more information about Fitzroy & Co. please visit estrentals.com.au.