Cedar Cabin x Shal Mural Installation
Cedar Cabin recently hosted Bundjalung artist Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal) as an artist in residence.
Over three days, Shal created a mural inspired by the cabin’s architectural design history, the rugged landscape of the Snowy Mountains, and his personal creative practice.
Shal’s work has been exhibited in Sydney’s China Heights Gallery and most recently at Louis Vuitton’s Brisbane flagship store. His practice is informed by an ongoing search for the calm he feels when connected to water. It is this connection to rivers, water, and country that influences his work.
His 3 x 4m mural, titled ‘Balun’, is painted on the loft bedroom wall. It is in this room that you feel closest to nature.
When you drift off to sleep, you can hear the water gently rushing over a small rapid in the Thredbo River outside. The rough-sawn timber of the ceiling slopes down in front of you like a tent and you feel as though you are nestled amongst the snow gums.
Above: ‘Balun’, By Shal, is a 3x4m mural INSTALLED in the bedroom loft of cedar cabin
The first day of Shal’s residency was spent exploring the local area. Starting by taking the lift to the top of the mountain, then hiking along the banks of the Thredbo River and experiencing the sunset at Dead Horse Gap. From this location, you can see down to Victoria on one side and the Thredbo Valley on the other, with the winding river snaking through the middle.
Inspired by the local landscape, Shal spent the next two days creating the mural.
On his final day, it snowed.
‘Balun’ is part of a series of works that explore Shal’s connection to country and self. born from a mediative practice, the painting unfolds in layered motions, guided by intuitive movement.
Shal’s style is reminiscent of the supergraphic art history of the Sea Ranch cabins, an artist’s colony in the 60s whose iconic architecture inspired the design of Cedar Cabin.
His use of colour and line are both strong and calm, echoing the design aesthetic of Cedar Cabin and its location on the banks of the Thredbo River.
This mural is a work of art to be enjoyed by guests, connecting you to a distinctly Australian experience and a unique part of your stay in the Snowy Mountains.