Albacutya Silo Art
The artwork by Melbourne artist Kitt Bennett tells a story of growing up in the country as a youth.
"I have fond memories of exploring the bush and looking for yabbies under rocks in creeks with my parents. Reflecting on this weird and wonderful time as an adult is something that brings me a lot of happiness."
"I wanted to keep the artwork somewhat surreal and distorted from reality. Much like the nature of stories from the past. They often become exaggerated."
"I wanted to make this painting very bright and full of colour in an attempt to reflect the rainbow theme and to separate it from its environment. The Silo itself is old but the artwork aims to breathe a new life into the landscape."
The Process - After spending some time exploring the local area, and chatting with its residents, Kitt began working up a series of sketches and paintings that would form the basis of the final design. He also drew on his childhood experience of growing up in the country, exploring the bush and yabbying in the creeks. The concept of the boy on the motorbike was based on the silo owner's son. Once he had the final design completed, Kitt developed a grid to assist him in scaling the image up while keeping evething in proportion.
The Painting - Over three weeks in March of 2021, Kitt began painting the silo using a mobile elevating work platform (or 'cherry picker') to scale the thirty-four metre structure He began by painting the reference grid, which would allow him to maintain the correct proportions of the final artwork. Using an assortment of large brushes, he then painted in the line work for both figures. Colour was added next, followed by the background to finish the artwork off.
One of the challenges Kitt faced with the protect was the strong winds blowing off the Mallee plains, which sometimes made the platform feel quite unstable.
About the Artist - Coming from a strong illustration background Kitt Bennett works primarily as a large-scale muralist creating some of the biggest and most innovative murals in Australia. Kitt has designed and executed work for silos, walls, floors, skateparks and wharfs and finds every part of the process an important piece of the big picture. In his studio Kitt also explores his passion for traditional painting and drawing techniques.
The challenges inherent in the creative process excite and drive Kitt to push the limits in his practice. His work often leaves viewers questioning how he has managed to create proportions and anatomy on such a large scale.
Location - Albacutya Silo is located 10km north of Rainbow on a side road off Albacutya Road, near the train station.
Parking - Visitors are asked to use the designated viewing area. Access to the silo site is prohibited.
Photo Credit: R Harrison
Location
Albacutya Road, Albacutya 3424 Map
Web Links
→ Silo Art Locations in Victoria with Map
