Last week saw the launch of Spring + Sprout: Guban-Mai (Heal), a vibrant foyer artwork by Brian Robinson for Rio Tinto in the beautifully revitalised Midtown Centre, Charlotte Street, Brisbane CBD.
This artwork installation was commissioned as part of Rio Tinto’s cultural recognition and inclusion strategy for the Midtown Centre and was undertaken to contribute to creating culturally safe and inclusive spaces in the building. Robinson’s concept of flowering plants, promoting serenity and spiritual wellbeing, has been realised through a richly patterned floral wallpaper with clusters of three-dimensional sculptural blooms.
According to Robinson:
‘Spring + Sprout explores wildflowers, traditional medicine and gardening practices centred around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and customs as well as green spaces in Western Society. Flowering plants and vegetation that grow in abundance after the onset of the great monsoons across the country are referenced in the work, celebrating the seasonal calendar of flora that has fed and healed Indigenous people for tens of thousands of years.’
The welcoming and calming artwork creates a strong visual and cultural impact for uplifting employees and visitors alike.
Brian Robinson and Onespace would like to thank Rio Tinto (Adam Lees, David Allinson, Ashe-Lee Webster and Megan Barnett), Sai Karlen (Art Director and Designer), Colour Synergy and Crafted Fabrications for their valued contributions to realising the work.
Photography: Matthew Smith. Images courtesy of the artist and Rio Tinto.
