A wolf-themed mural is celebrating Dandenong Market traders’ fighting spirit and determination.
Mongolian-born and raised street artist Heesco painted Year of the Wolf on five panels along the market’s King Street facade.
The work also reflects the hard-working wider Dandenong community.
Each segment has its own thematic colour and mood scheme but from a distance appears as one continuous panoramic image, 31 metres long and 3.6 metres high.
Heesco said wolves had particular significance in Mongolian culture.
“Wolves hold a very special place in my heart,” he said.
“They symbolise intelligence, strength and ferocity, but they are also known as protective, nurturing and gentle animals.
“The most significant quality of the wolves is how they organise as a pack and collaborate towards a common goal.
“In Mongolian folklore and mythology, wolves are the ultimate symbol of strength, intelligence, and unity.”
Year of the Wolf joined Rising Phoenix, which artist Bonsai painted on the external bazaar wall on Cleeland Street in December last year.
Dandenong Market is planning to install up to 15 large-scale artworks by 2019, within the market and on exterior walls.
“Dandenong Market’s many large-scale building facades and walkways are the perfect canvas for modern street art,” general manager Jennifer Hibbs said.
“As one of Melbourne’s multicultural hubs – with 156 nationalities under one roof – we want to reflect the diversity of Victoria’s street art scene.
“It’s also a great way to honour the hard-working community of Dandenong – and in particular our market traders.
“Our street art programme aims to honour their strong work ethic, drive and determination.”
