The Avid Reader Bookshop, long considered the literary heart of West End, has been transformed into a monumental public artwork that’s turning heads and sparking conversations along Boundary Street.
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Titled “Charcoal Stories,” this impressive mural is the brainchild of globally recognised, Brisbane-based contemporary artist Vernon Ah Kee.
The project, which wraps around the entire Avid Reader bookstore, is the flagship creation of Chrysalis Projects, an initiative born during the COVID-19 crisis to support artists, revitalise local businesses, and unite the community.
At its core, “Charcoal Stories” is a celebration of Brisbane’s rich literary tradition. The mural features a mosaic of square tiles filled with the names of local authors in Ah Kee’s signature bold black and white text.
Overlaying this typographic tapestry are dark surfboard shields bearing the names of Brisbane’s Aboriginal authors, handwritten by Ah Kee himself. This juxtaposition creates a powerful visual narrative that honours the city’s diverse literary voices.
The scale of the project is impressive, covering over 100 square metres across 52 meticulously hand-painted panels. This herculean task was undertaken by the talented team from All City Walls, artists Yannick Blattner and Benjamin Werner, under Ah Kee’s artistic direction.
Bec Mac, co-founder of Chrysalis Projects, emphasises the significance of this artist-led public art initiative. She stated that this project reveals the power of artist-run public art projects, highlighting the potential for creativity to drive community engagement and urban renewal.
For Vernon Ah Kee, “Charcoal Stories” represents more than just an artistic endeavour. He describes it as “a leap of faith,” advocating for more “risk and courage” in Brisbane’s approach to public art and urban spaces.
As passersby stop to admire and engage with this new literary landmark, “Charcoal Stories” stands as a testament to the power of public art to beautify spaces, spark dialogue, and bring communities together.
Published 9-August-2024