A 400 square metre mural by Australian artist Reg Mombassa will welcome thousands of visitors attending 40th Anniversary celebrations at the Sydney Opera House – including Denmark’s Crown Prince Couple, HRH Crown Prince Frederik and HRH Crown Princess Mary.
Unveiled on the Opera House Forecourt, Mombassa’s six-metre high Millennial Wallscape: Triumph of the Gum depicts mythical creatures passing through a forest of uncertainties into a sun-drenched future. The work will be on display until 30 April 2014.
CEO of the Opera House Louise Herron said Mombassa’s quintessentially Australian art would provide a perfect entrance to the Opera House during the 40th celebrations.
“The work will be an integral part of our 40th Anniversary. The Forecourt will also be the setting for the 40th Anniversary Concert on October 27,” she said.
Reg Mombassa, who is also the City’s creative ambassador for 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve, described the work as “mildly apocalyptic”.
International and Australian visitors to the Opera House will be able to muse on his pastiche of suburban architecture, fantastic flora and fauna, technological gizmos and stylised icons.
Mombassa has been a finalist for the Archibald, Sulman and Dobell prizes and is well known for his T-shirts, posters and album covers. He also designed stage sets and inflatable characters for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com/40 for details.
Image: Reg Mombassa in front of Millennial Wallscape: Triumph of the Gum