Merbein - The River Runs Through
The River Runs Through is a striking public art installation in Merbein that transforms an old refrigerated fruit-storage shed into a colourful artwork celebrating the natural environment of the Murray River.
Created by designer Beck Storer of The Cutaway and the Merbein Arts Group, the artwork combines traditional mural painting with digital printing to create a large-scale abstract design.
The installation is particularly unusual because it changes appearance after dark, when solar-powered lighting transforms the colourful mural into an illuminated artwork.
The Artwork:
The River Runs Through draws inspiration from the Merbein Common, a floodplain reserve beside the Murray River.
Its colourful design reflects the waterways and landscapes of the region, helping to draw attention to the environmental importance of the local wetlands.
The artwork is displayed on the exterior walls of a former refrigerated storage shed that was once used to store fruit for a juice factory.
The combination of bold colours, abstract shapes and a flowing river motif gives the old industrial building a completely different appearance.
At night, solar-powered lighting illuminates the installation, creating a second way to experience the artwork.
The Merbein Common:
The Merbein Common is a natural floodplain reserve situated within a bend of the Murray River, north-west of Mildura.
It contains significant wetland environments, including Cowanna Billabong, together with river red gums, black box woodland and other native vegetation.
The artwork was designed to increase awareness of these natural environments and the importance of protecting them.
Although the artwork celebrates the Merbein Common, it is located in the town of Merbein rather than within the reserve itself.
Community Art Project:
The River Runs Through was developed as a community project, with substantial contributions from local residents and businesses.
Members of the Merbein Arts Group worked with Beck Storer to transform the former storage shed into a distinctive landmark.
The project received international recognition when it won a Silver A' Design Award in 2022.
Opening Hours:
Viewing information
Cost:
Visitor information
Review:
The River Runs Through is an interesting example of public art breathing new life into an old industrial building.
The vibrant colours and abstract river design make the artwork distinctive during daylight hours, while the solar-powered lighting adds another dimension after dark.
The project is also a good example of community involvement in public art, with local artists, residents and businesses contributing to its development.
For families exploring Merbein, the artwork is worth including in a tour of the town's public art and heritage attractions. Seeing it during both daylight and after dark provides two different perspectives on the same installation.
Location
80 Game Street, Merbein 3505 View Map
Web Links
→ www.theriverrunsthrough.com.au
