Giant silo art conveys grain of truth

A THIRD grain silo in western Victoria has been covered with a massive artwork as part of a plan for a 200km outdoor art trail in the state’s wheatbelt.

The Sheep Hills silo painted by artist Matt Adnate.

A THIRD grain silo in western Victoria has been covered with a massive artwork as part of a plan for a 200km outdoor art trail in the state’s wheatbelt.

Melbourne street artist Matt Adnate has just completed his mural featuring members of the local indigenous community at Sheep Hills, 18km southeast of Warracknabeal.

The silo is the largest — 30m high x 40m wide — and is at the heart of a six-silo art trail through the district. Adnate used 300 litres of house paint and 100 spray cans on the
project, which had its challenges, including working at height in heat and wind, as well as a curved surface for a canvas.

“It’s all circular and that was a bit tricky but I wanted it to be a proper artwork, not just an achievement,” Adnate said.

“I want to create a conversation among local people and visitors to engage in the history of the people and the area.’’

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BIG PICTURE: Silo art germinates into 200km trail

The Patchewollock silo, painted by artist Fintan Magee.

Brim silo painted by Guido Van Helten.

The Sheep Hills silo art takes shape high above the paddocks.

Artist Matt Adnate at work on the Sheep Hills silo.

Artist Matt Adnate created the huge artwork on the Sheel Hills grain silo.

Adnate spent time with the Barengi Gadjin Land Council and other indigenous people to inspire his artwork, which features the two most senior elders, Uncle Ron Marks and Aunty Regina Hood, alongside two children from the community.

The Sheep Hills project is the third silo to be covered in a mural following grain stores in Brim, by Guido van Helten, and Patchewollock, by Fintan Magee. Three more are scheduled for painting next year at Lascelles, Rosebery and Rupanyup.

GrainCorp owns five of six silos. The company’s Victorian regional manager, Peter Johnston, said the decommissioned silos were no longer suitable for modern bulk grain handling. GrainCorp has ploughed about $200,000 into the project in lost asset sales and making the silos safe for artists and the public.

Response to the previous two silos had been strong, Mr Johnston said.

“I’m amazed at how many locals are engaging in the project,” he said. “And the pub at Brim has never been so busy!’’

Australian Grain Export owns the Rupanyup silo which is still operational.

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@IanRoyall