After six months of keeping the project tight-lipped, a 31-storey portrait of famous indigenous leader William Barak was finally revealed to the world on Monday – if only for a moment.
The face of the famous leader was re-created in the balconies of Grocon’s 530-apartment project at the former Carlton United and Brewery.
As reported by The Age, the building was thoughtfully designed by ARM Architecture who believe the building provides a visual and cultural contribution for the city.
Although the face design was momentarily revealed to the public, Grocon have reported that they’re not completely satisfied with the depiction of William Barak.
“We think his eyes are not as accurate as they should be,” David Waldren, Grocon’s National Design Manager told The Age.
“There is also work we want to do around his beard and moustache to make it like the beard and moustache he had when he was painting out at Coranderrk.”
Although the project is due to be officially launched on Thursday, Mr Waldren said that Grocon would spend another six months perfecting the image.
The beauty of this project is that Barak’s image is in direct line of sight of the Shrine of Remembrance, although it is nearly three kilometres away.
If the public want to get a good look at the design, the best standpoint will be facing the corner that points along Swanston Street.
As reported by The Age, ARM Architecture created the portrait by using a form of simple block print making, with the face sculpted in light and shade also incorporates the natural light colour of the balconies.
William Barak was an elder of Melbourne’s Wurundjeri tribe, most well-known for his social justice work and he is credited with “building a bridge between black and white culture”.
Passing away in 1903, it has been up to Wurundjeri elders to work closely with designers to ensure his memory is maintained.
