‘Signs of Rain’ – Reko Rennie’s urban activation exploring revitalisation

A significant piece of public art will be unveiled today at Westfield’s newly redeveloped Westfield Warringah Mall, in another successful example of how art and business – two seemingly disparate entities – can in fact assimilate to reflect parallel notions.

Entitled ‘Signs of Rain’, the energetic large-scale installation is the work of renowned Melbourne contemporary artist Reko Rennie, who has designed his mural to be viewed both day and night. During daylight hours, the bold painted hues provide a dynamic visual backdrop for visitors to the northern beaches suburb of Brookvale, but as dusk falls, the artwork takes on another life, being lit by carefully placed LED lights.

‘Signs of Rain’ is the translation of the Australian Indigenous word ‘Warringah’, and as Rennie explains, “This artwork celebrates the beauty of rainfall as a symbol of renewal and nourishment. The combination of striking colours and geometric patterning presents rain as a dynamic force that ensures the continual creation of new life and new experiences. Neon is integrated into the work to transform the artwork at night-time, representing electric strength and vibrancy, and heightening the warmth and comfort offered by a stimulating, leisurely environment.”

Scentre Group (the owners of Westfield Shopping Centres in Australia and New Zealand) have chosen to once again team up with leading creative placemakers, aMBUSH Gallery, in the implementation of public art in their shopping centres. ‘Signs of Rain’ follows the success of the Westfield Chatswood redevelopment in 2015, when aMBUSH Gallery delivered all the public art elements for the complex by engaging artists Beastman, Nanami Cowdroy, Anthony Lister and Gemma O’Brien.

This arts initiative has been curated and produced by aMBUSH Gallery, an initiative of Wiltshire + Dimas Management, a placemaking consultancy focused on creating vibrant and meaningful public spaces, and bridging the gap between art and commerce.

‘Signs of Rain’ will launch at the opening of the new Westfield Warringah Mall on 17 November 2016.

Media:
Bill Dimas
aMBUSH Gallery
[email protected]
phone 0405 323 949 and 02 8399 0707