Healesville’s Matilda Bay brewery unveils fresco by Yarra Valley artist Paul Sonsie
A beer giant which started the Aussie craft brew revolution nearly four decades ago will unveil a giant fresco at its new Healesville brewery — and the inspiration comes straight from the ceiling of an Italian icon.
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Like Matilda Bay’s beer industry renaissance more than three decades ago, its Healesville brewery is about to reveal a new artwork akin to Michelangelo’s famous fresco.
The recently opened pub in the popular tourist town on Maroondah Highway will unveil A State of Creation – which takes some inspiration from the Sistine Chapel’s Creation of Adam – this weekend.
The painting not only includes the image of the hand of God giving life to Adam, but also Greek god Zeus, and incorporates Australian flora and fauna with a gum tree, owl, lace monitor, lyrebird and koala.
Yarra Valley artist Paul Sonsie is responsible for the colourful 13.5m by 6.5m feature on the brewery’s back wall.
“The masterpieces of classical sculpture are juxtaposed with modern day graffiti and Australian wildlife,” Sonsie said.
“It really is a playful take on what we see when we’re not awake.
“Representing creation at heart, this mural invites the viewer on the creative and adventurous journey of Matilda Bay Brewery.”
The painting is Sonsie’s biggest work to date.
The artist and his brother, George Sonsie, were commissioned to paint the mural featured on the side of Lilydale Main St café Lovacore Studios last year.
Master craftsman and Matilda Bay founder Phil Sexton said the brief was to create a whimsical fantasy, “just like beer”.
“At the end of the day we want to have fun and take any opportunity to work with local Yarra Valley artists to help us bring our vision to life,’” Mr Sexton said.
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The brand that started the Aussie craft brew revolution in 1983, relaunched in Healesville on Boxing Day.
Mr Sexton sold the craft brand to Carlton United Breweries in 1990, but recently set up a brewery in conjunction with the beer giant last year.
With 12 of the country’s best craft beers on tap, the Matilda Bay pub has taken over from Giant Steps cellar, and has its first craft beers at the venue brewing.