Following our time further north, we decided to head south, drawn towards the lakes district. Lake Boga, Victoria, was our target, lured by the promise of waterside views and, as it turned out, a rather unexpected art scene.
Our first impression was the bright, almost whimsical, aesthetic of what appeared to be a repurposed industrial site. The structures themselves were large and functional-looking, but the surroundings were a riot of color and recycled materials. It's the kind of place that forces you to reassess your expectations.
We spent a pleasant morning simply wandering through the grounds. It’s an eclectic collection, to say the least. There were repurposed tires overflowing with flowers, brightly painted furniture scattered about, and curious arrangements of salvaged objects turned into unexpected art installations.
A painted piano sat incongruously amongst some shrubbery
, while nearby, comfortable seating areas beckoned from beneath the shade of large trees.
The combination of the industrial backdrop and the playful art created a unique atmosphere. It was both jarring and strangely harmonious. We can certainly appreciate a bit of re-use and re-imagination. This isn't high-brow art, it's accessible, fun, and invites interaction.
However, the real draw in Lake Boga, at least from our perspective, is the silo art. These towering canvases depict scenes celebrating the area's history and natural beauty by Tim Bowtell. The mural of a Catalina flying boat is particularly striking. They’ve made an impressive effort to honour the stories and essence of the place.
It’s a fitting tribute to the community and a great addition to the Victorian silo art trail.
