A sneak peek at Chris Hemsworth's brand new Aboriginal mural

By
Stuff Contributor
July 7, 2019
Chris Hemsworth's new Byron Bay abode has been dubbed "Fortress Hemsworth" and "Concrete Palace" by locals. Photo: Stuff

Thor star Chris Hemsworth has shown fans a giant Aboriginal mural he commissioned for the Byron Bay mansion he shares with wife Elsa Pataky.

The actor posted pictures on Instagram saying he had a big empty wall “that needed some love”.

Hemsworth commissioned artist Otis Hope Carey for the work, which is titled Darrundang Gaagal (Thanking the Ocean).

Listen to episode two of Domain’s new podcast Somewhere Else :


“This mural focuses on representational imagery of the ceremonial dancing of the Gumbaynggirr people, weaved together with traditional forms in thanks to their totemic spiritual emblem ‘GAAGAL’ (Ocean),” Hemsworth wrote.

The mural stretches several metres. Photo: Instagram

“Long shifting black lines ripple across the wall demonstrating the power and energy emanating from dancing feet stomping into the ground.

“Blue circular line work is painted over the top throughout the composition in reference to the Ocean in an act of thanks for its healing powers and all that is received from it.

“In this piece, Otis utilises traditional symbols and imagery in grandiose scale in a display of contemporary practice and thought.”

The actor posted pictures on Instagram saying he had a big empty wall "that needed some love." Photo: Instagram

Otis Hope Carey posted his own images on Instagram saying: “For years I’ve been wanting to create a piece of this scale and to be able to do this for such an incredibly talented family I feel so honoured and grateful, thanks legends.”

Hemsworth and Pataky have courted controversy with locals in the remote area of Broken Head, Byron Bay, for the size of their house renovations, which began in 2016 and have continued for three years.

Renovations to “Fort Hemsworth” or the “concrete palace”, as the A$20 million house has been dubbed, are estimated to have cost the couple around $8 million.

Long shifting black lines ripple across the wall. Photo: Instagram

The seaside compound is rumoured to boast a gym, complete with steam room, a 50-metre rooftop infinity pool with ocean views and a spa, a media room, a games room, vast outdoor living and play areas as well as six bedrooms.

It replaces the couple’s former Balinese resort style home bought for $7 million in 2014.

House prices have soared in the area, and this is believed to be due to the Hemsworth property.

Share: