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Coogee Chemicals

Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB transforms Coogee Chemicals’ storage tank into a vibrant art canvas

Pro AV Solutions

Kwinana, Western Australia

Illuminating industry with art

 Images courtesy of Coogee Chemicals

In Western Australia’s Kwinana industrial area near Perth, Coogee Chemicals has reimagined industrial infrastructure with an innovative public art project. The company, known for its chemical manufacturing, bulk storage, and terminal management, has transformed one of its newly built fuel storage tanks into a dynamic canvas for projection mapping

Completed in 2023 and partly funded through the Federal Government’s Strategic Fuels Grant Program, the new tanks represent Coogee Chemicals’ commitment to innovation in both infrastructure and community engagement. Working closely with the City of Kwinana, Coogee Chemicals decided to provide public art by projecting curated visuals onto one of these tanks, prominently located alongside Patterson Road. 

“These tanks are vital for our operations, but we also saw them as an opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the community,” explains Russell MacKenzie, Manager of Innovation & Project Development at Coogee Chemicals. “We wanted to go beyond utility and create a platform for storytelling and pride in the region.” 

Creating the wow factor 

To bring this vision to life, Coogee Chemicals selected the Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB pure laser projector, installed and commissioned by Pro AV Solutions, a leading AV systems integrator and workplace technology provider. “We wanted a projector like the one used on the Sydney Opera House,” explains MacKenzie. “After researching and contacting the supplier, we discovered a higher-resolution model was available. Now, we can proudly say our projection is even better. The results have been fantastic—crisp, bright, and incredibly colorful. It always creates a ‘Wow!’ moment when the image comes to life.” 

The Griffyn 4K35-RGB was chosen for its native 4K resolution, 36,500-lumen brightness, and ability to achieve nearly 98% of the Rec. 2020 color space to reproduce more realistic and lifelike colors. Its compact design, durable laser illumination, and omnidirectional capabilities make it ideal for outdoor installations, ensuring stunning visuals even under challenging conditions. 

“This project perfectly combines technology, creativity, and community engagement,” says Steve Travia, General Manager of Pro AV Solutions. “Installing the Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB to project onto a curved storage tank—the first in Australia—was a groundbreaking endeavor. Overcoming the challenges of such an unconventional surface required precision engineering, but the results are nothing short of spectacular.” 

Travia also highlights the seamless projection quality: “The art displays beautifully on the curved surface with minimal distortion. The sharp, vivid visuals never fail to impress.” Protected by a robust Tempest enclosure, the Griffyn 4K35-RGB projector withstands harsh weather and delivers mesmerizing displays consistently, making it a true standout in public art. 

A celebration of art and industry 

The art displayed on this storage tank reflects Kwinana’s industrial heritage and its connection to natural resources. Six artists, selected from 53 submissions, contributed to the project. Their work was grouped into five thematic subcategories: “Maps, Zones & Connections,” “Landscapes of the Heart of Industry,” “Portraits of the Heart of Industry,” “Abstractions of the Heart of Industry,” and “Situations from the Heart of Industry.” 

The nightly projections, visible to thousands of commuters along the bustling Patterson Road, have repurposed a utilitarian tank into a storytelling beacon. This innovative use of projection celebrates both artistic expression and industrial heritage, a sentiment echoed by MacKenzie. “We’ve created something that celebrates both the creativity of our artists and the significance of Kwinana’s industrial identity,” he adds. 

Community pride and corporate social responsibility 

The partnership with the City of Kwinana underscores Coogee Chemicals’ strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and meaningful public engagement. Through this project, Coogee demonstrated its commitment to supporting local artists by providing them the opportunity to showcase their capabilities, with artists selected solely by the quality of their work, demonstrating true inclusivity and diversity in public art. 

“This initiative reflects our commitment to not just operate here but to enrich the lives of those around us,” says MacKenzie. “We wanted the resulting artwork to resonate with a broad audience, so we engaged six diverse artists to create five original images each, covering five thoughtfully curated sub-themes. This variety ensures visual appeal for everyone, while also telling compelling stories about our industrial heritage.” 

Coogee’s commissioning process reflected its responsible approach to public art. “We ensured fairness by issuing a public Expression of Interest and compensating shortlisted artists for their concept submissions,” adds MacKenzie. “By involving local talent and artists at different career stages, we’re able to showcase unique artworks that are balanced and inclusive.” 

The project has also inspired ripple effects across the community. For instance, local resident groups are now exploring ideas for smaller-scale light projection installations within their respective town centers. These initiatives have sparked conversations about innovative ways to present art and create visual intrigue. 

Commending the project’s innovative approach, Greg Spence, senior business development manager for Australia and New Zealand, Enterprise, Christie, says, “In partnership with the City of Kwinana and Pro AV Solutions WA, Coogee Chemicals has demonstrated how industry and art can converge through the installation of our Griffyn 4K35-RGB projector. By combining cutting-edge RGB pure laser projection technology with thoughtful storytelling, the company has illuminated its storage tank—along with a new path for industrial creativity and community connection.” 

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