Curatorial+Co. commissioned multimedia artist George Buchanan to create a lively and provocative mural for Monica, the rooftop bar at 25hours Hotel The Olympia in iconic Darlinghurst, Sydney. Composed of continuous line drawings, a sense of interconnectedness is drawn, exploring themes of reciprocal, consensual love and mutual respect.

The mural is rich with symbolism: gender-ambiguous figures in sensuous poses; the symbiotic relationship between figs and wasps; and emperor moths – creatures of the night – alongside cherries and guavas, grapes (wine) and hops (beer). Blossoms and fig leaves complete the visual narrative. Buchanan’s mural reflects the bar’s spirit, celebrating intimacy, pleasure, and the shared rituals of gathering after dark.

Client: Central Element / Ennismore

Designer: Woods Bagot

Video: Simon Hewson