16 Sep Atong Atem transforms Hanover House

Melbourne’s Hanover House has been transformed by Atong Atem with a large-scale neon tulips and a painted wallpaper designs inspired by the artists archive of colonial and vintage European wallpapers. Animating two facades of the 20m building, the Power Street-facing side is a mural of repeating silver banksia flowers in warm earthy tones whilst the City Road-facing side showcases vibrant decorative tulips. The illuminated neon flowers overlay both murals, signifying Atong’s vision of Melbourne’s past and future.

“I’m interested in the relationships between people, our connection with the natural and built environments, and how this is interwoven with the visual signs and symbols that define our histories. With the work I have developed for Hanover House, I’m interested in the aesthetics of 1970s Australian homes and have chosen to reference the intimacy of those spaces by creating a wallpaper pattern reminiscent of late 20th-century living room walls.? 

– Atong Atem

The work was commissioned as part of Beta by Sth Bnk, an experimental event series that brings together artists, brands and dining experiences over a six month period. 

Image: Atong Atem, Outdoor Living, 2021, Installation view at Hanover House, Southbank, Melbourne for BETA Southbank, Commissioned by Beulah, Curated by Future City