New mural on hidden rooftop

The rooftop of a soon-to-be-demolished building in Southbank has been transformed into a “biophilic oasis” large-scale mural of Australian natives by Melbourne artist George Rose.

Only visible from above, the hidden masterpiece on the top of the former BMW building at the corner of City Rd and Southbank Boulevard has pleasantly surprised overlooking residents, office workers and visitors in surrounding towers. In an expansive botanical display of bright and surreal colours including greens, purple and pinks, the mural celebrates a variety of Australian natives including Kangaroo Apple, Royal Bluebell, Beach Pea, Grevillea, Spider Orchid, and the Bush Pea.

George Rose’s work is known for exploring the fragility of nature, featuring endangered flora and fauna, and the transformation of the micro into macro-scale, with the BMW rooftop evident of her signature gradients.

Commissioned by Beulah Foundation, property developer Beulah’s philanthropic arm, the artwork aspires to promote art, wellbeing, and sustainability, while advancing culture.

The concept for the mural focused on rejuvenating the current site’s urbanscape and is complementary to the eye-catching Atong Atem mural that adorns the exterior of Hanover House, with both sites celebrating local female artists.

Both buildings will soon make way for the developer’s STHBNK by Beulah development – a mixed-use twin-tower project. •