Dina Gris: The Melbourne-Based Muralist Who’s Redefining Public Art
Dina Gris, a Melbourne-based muralist and visual artist, has become a prominent figure in the city’s vibrant public art scene. Known for her large-scale, striking murals, Gris has not only transformed Melbourne’s urban landscape but has also made her mark on Australian businesses, residential spaces, and even Australia’s largest sports stadium.
The MCG Murals: A Landmark Achievement
Among her most notable accomplishments are the three expansive murals she created for the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia’s iconic sports stadium. These murals, which span several large walls of the venue, have become a significant part of the MCG’s visual identity. As the stadium continues to host major sporting events and cultural gatherings, Gris’s works serve as a testament to the intersection of art and sports, giving fans and visitors a visual experience that complements the atmosphere of one of the world’s greatest sporting arenas.
A Tour of Melbourne’s Public Art Scene
Over the past three years, Gris has expanded her reach, taking her mural business across Melbourne’s diverse public art scenes. From church facades to council buildings and açai shops, Gris’s murals have become synonymous with vibrancy and creativity. Small businesses have eagerly commissioned her work to elevate their storefronts, with Gris’s murals enhancing the aesthetic appeal of everything from restaurants and cafes to new international corporate branches, including Procter & Gamble.
Gris’s ability to blend contemporary design with the corporate environment has earned her a reputation as an artist who can tailor her work to any setting, from commercial to residential.
Expanding Horizons: National Reach
While Melbourne was the first city to host Gris’s larger-than-life pieces, her work can now be seen across Australia. Commissioned for public art projects by Salisbury City Council, she left her mark in Adelaide, painting the council building in honor of South Australian Vietnam veterans. Gris’s original paintings and commissioned works have also found new homes with collectors in Sydney and Queensland.
In addition to her local successes, Gris has been sought after by businesses and organizations internationally, showcasing her ability to adapt her work to different cultural and architectural contexts.
Her murals, often featuring bold color palettes, pop culture moments, and deeper hidden messages, have an unmistakable energy that resonates with people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a feature wall in a residential home or a large mural on a public building, Gris’s work invites engagement and sparks conversation.
A Signature Style and an Expanding Legacy
What sets Dina Gris apart is her ability to capture the essence of her surroundings and translate it into large, eye-catching pieces of art. Drawing inspiration from nature, her travels, people’s stories, and the collective human experience, Gris’s murals evoke both a sense of place and a timeless aesthetic. Her work not only beautifies the spaces she inhabits but also leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
As the demand for public art continues to grow, Gris remains at the forefront of this movement, constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft. With a portfolio that spans large sports venues to small local businesses, Gris’s murals are a testament to the power of art to transform and connect communities.
“Last month, I had the honour of designing and bringing to life a series of 3 large murals for @eventsmcg @mcg
These murals were created for the new rooftop bar at the MCC and will be the face of new promotional content shoots at the stadium!
The brief was “a slice of hosier lane graffiti but with Melbourne and MCG icons at the heart.” I’ve hidden some Easter eggs in those designs regarding really important dates of both milestones in the MCG history and significant games that took place here. Each “random” graffitied year, number, phrase/ symbol has been deliberately placed in this design to spark conversations among AFL and cricket fans and anyone visiting the MCC, where the murals are located.
The total area of these murals is just over 73 square meters. I used over 15 litres of paint across the board.
I’m so excited to see guests immersing themselves and interacting with those pieces. See if you can pick up on all the references and dates the next time you’re at a game! Happy hunting.” – Dina Gris, December 2024
“Revival.” Acrylic & gold leaf on canvas.
“I am Woman.” Acrylic & gold leaf on canvas. Painted as a tribute to singer Rihanna and in honour of International Women’s day.
”Nipsey Hussle.” Acrylic on canvas commission in honour of Nipsey and his legacy.
“Morgan Freeman.” Hyper-realistic drawing. Coloured pencil on paper.
“Chadwick Boseman.” Coloured pencil & gold leaf on paper. A tribute to an on and off-screen hero.
“The Resistance.” Acrylic on canvas. Painted in honour of the series La Casa de Papel.
Acrylic on canvas. Painted in 2019 as a tribute to Disney’s Aladdin.
