By Tanya Steele
Lilydale’s Gateway Reserve playspace now has active augmented reality (AR) codes added to the public artwork previously created by local Healesville artist Paul Sonsie making it a not only visual but digital space for people to enjoy.
Sonsie said the extra layer of engagement is a welcome addition to the mural which conveys six sportswomen who have either played, lived or been associated with the Yarra Ranges region.
“I think as an artist who is attracted to making public work, it is nice to let the story continue and be strengthened by more community engagement,” he said.
“It really continues the conversation.”
The colourful public artwork is part of a larger project called “Put her name on it” which is designed to challenge and change Victorian public spaces to be more gender equal.
The people depicted by Sonsie represent six different sportspeople in various stages of their careers, from rising stars to established professionals in Lilydale and surrounding areas.
The mural was completed in 2021 and the grid like geometric patterns reflect the structure and rules of various playing fields, conveying movement, strategy and play.
It is mixed with earthy browns and leafy greens to connect to the land and integrate the artwork with its surroundings
Sonsie enjoyed doing the Lilydale work originally and has since been commissioned for other public space works which include AR codes which take people to audio links of him talking about the art.
“I like this extra layer of engagement that is emerging,” he said.
AR engagement is becoming more common in public art, people can engage by using their phones to bring up 3D elements to look at more information, images or audio.
The instalment of the AR at Lilydale allows people to see where other works for the Put her name on It series are located throughout Victoria.
Sonsie said the street art scene is changing more and more in Melbourne and he always enjoys contributing to the public arena.
“I love creating public work and telling a visual story,” Sonsie said.
