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George Rose’s towering mural transforms Darwin’s skyline

11 Feb 2025

The Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF) has long been a celebration of artistic ingenuity, drawing talent from across the globe to transform the city’s urban landscape. In one of the recent editions of the festival, renowned artist George Rose took on an extraordinary challenge – creating a breathtaking 10-storey mural on the façade of the iconic Argus Apartments. 

Titled Sand Plains, the mural is a vibrant tribute to Darwin’s rich and unique biodiversity. Inspired by the rare species native to the region’s sand plain habitats, George incorporated intricate depictions of bladderworts – tiny, carnivorous aquatic plants that thrive in the wetlands near Darwin. The mural stands as both a celebration of the natural world and a striking addition to the city’s artistic identity. 


George’s mural, Sand Plains, is painted in ResenePaua, Resene Bullitt, Resene Deep Koamaru, Resene Daisy Bush, Resene Canary, Resene Turbo, Resene Aqua, Resene Java, Resene Bowie and Resene Captain Cook. Image by Andrew Bourke.  

However, bringing Sand Plains to life was no small feat. With the wet season fast approaching, George and her assistant, Jordan, had to work swiftly within a limited timeframe. Navigating a height of over 30 metres, they skilfully manoeuvred a boom lift with three articulation points to ensure every detail of the towering artwork was executed to perfection. This ambitious project marks the tallest mural George has completed to date, solidifying a new milestone in her career. 

Given Darwin’s remote location, sourcing materials presented another challenge. Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen was specially ordered for the project, ensuring the durability and vibrancy of the mural. Additionally, to counteract the city’s intense sunlight, Resene Hot Weather Additive was incorporated, extending the paint’s drying time for optimal application using spray guns. 


George and her assistant, Jordan, in the boom lift painting the mural at great heights. Image by Charlie Bliss. 

The final masterpiece bursts with colour, featuring an array of Resene shades including Resene Paua, Resene Bullitt, Resene Deep Koamaru, Resene Daisy Bush, Resene Canary, Resene Turbo, Resene Aqua, Resene Java, Resene Bowie and Resene Captain Cook. These carefully selected hues bring an electric energy to the artwork, making Sand Plains a mesmerising addition to Darwin’s creative landscape. 

Through perseverance and artistic excellence, George Rose has left an indelible mark on the city, elevating Darwin’s skyline with a mural that is as bold and dynamic as the environment it represents. 

designGeorge Rose 

Published: 11 Feb 2025