RONE Delivers 25-Square Metre Mural at Geelong Winery

Globally renowned street artist RONE returns to his home ground of Geelong, on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, to paint 25sqmmural on the heritage-listed cellar door of Providence Wines, located in the historic Papermills building.

The winery has partnered with Bells Fine Art Studio to bring RONE, who grew up in Geelong, back to the region. At a time when home has taken on more poignant meaning, this project aims to celebrate RONE’s hometown of Geelong and all the region has to offer.

This is not his first piece of work in the area, Provenance Wines co-owner Sam Vogel notes. “RONE originally hails from Geelong and is well-known in the region for the mural he painted on three silos overlooking Fyansford, which were sadly demolished earlier this year to make way for a new housing estate – to a significant community outcry.”

Belinda White, Studio Director of Bells Fine Art and a major investor in the mural, assures that this mural will be more permanent.“RONE’s artwork is perfectly suited to the architecture of this 140-year-old building, the six metre pitch in the cedar-lined ceiling created the perfect canvas for his expansive work.”

“RONE’s artwork is perfectly suited to the architecture of this 140 year old building.”

RONE, whose haunting portraits have been painted on buildings around cities the world over, captures the connection between people and their urban spaces, with this new work reiterating the human connections that persist in these historic spaces and bind together communities like Geelong. Belinda continues,“this muse depicts everything we have been missing this year and leaves us with a sense of strength and resilience.”

The mural, titled The forgotten soul of the Papermills, depicts one of the former female workers of the mill. Her face is gentle and her expression, peaceful and meditative, instilling a sense of calm through the space. As the mural abstract states, “our muse sits with a reflective gaze, her features create a translucent glow. The rim light around her profile creates an impactful halo-affect. Her downward gaze is restful, her porcelain face is at peace.”

RONE’s most recent major installation, the 2019 Empire, drew thousands of visitors to the historic Burnham Beeches in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges. Following the success of Empire, Sam describes his excitement that RONE is now coming to Geelong – “we are beyond thrilled to play a part in bringing RONE back to Geelong.” The fact that the mural will be permanent is especially noteworthy, he says,“considering his work is usually dismantled or destroyed once finished. We have always had a great appreciation for the arts which have suffered greatly during the pandemic, so to be able to provide this for the Geelong community is something we are really proud of.”

Provenance Wines is located in the historic Paper Mills precinct in Fyansford, on route from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and Surf Coast. RONE completed the mural on the 17th December.