parramatta mural
Parramatta council commissioned a number of artist to produce artworks for different areas of town and in a range of mediums. Artists were asked to use 'river as a journey' as a theme and inspiration for these artworks.
Sam Newstead of each2each was commissioned to cover 5 electrical boxes spaced around Church Street Mall in the centre of town.
Using the ?River as a Journey? theme, the subject matter for these designs was split in to 5 categories - PLAY - TIME - LINK - TRADE - LIFE.
The river runs through the 5 parts of the design roughly following the shape of its actual course. Historical subject matters are depicted as translucent and over laid onto present day features. The mural boxes are shown here flattened into one image, side and front portions of the 3D object all in the same view.
PLAY shows recreation around the river, with an Eels player, horse racing, swimming, boating, a walker, a balloon ride.
This end of the river is near the Parramatta park so also it corresponds to the idea of play.
TIME shows the river nearer to town. The remnant of the old court house, its tower, is still there today. Previously that site was occupied by the first Woolpack Inn.
The Town hall was erected on the site of the first agricultural fair the be held in Parramatta in 1813. Animals such as those seen at the fair are overlaid onto the building .
The Centennial clock marks time by years showing the date 1788 when Parramatta was founded up to the present day and beyond.
LINK shows the river and the way it links Parramatta to the rest of the country. The Lennox Bridge built by convicts in 1839 links the city either side of the river.
Transport up and down the river was once only by small wooden boat to present day with the Rivercat. The horse was once a crucial means of transportation.
TRADE shows the part of the river where the Queens Wharf is situated. This was a place for loading and unloading of goods for sale and supplies.
Steamer ships would carry large amounts of goods up and down stream. The horse was a major trade commodity as well as moving products from agriculture.
The HMAS Parramatta is the oldest ship's name in Australia. A modern shopper walks through the scene.
LIFE shows the life giving properties of the river. It gave life to the town of Parramatta by producing good soil for growing food and providing water for its people and livestock. The river was rich in fish also.
The eels refer to the name Parramatta and its indigenous meaning. A convict has cleared and made the land ready for planting.
The roses represent the original name of Parramatta, ?Rose Hill?.
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