Architecture has long blurred the lines between art and science, but a new Brisbane development is taking the concept a step further, appointing an internationally-renowned creative director, whose works have graced the covers of records and clothing, as its ‘artist in residence’.
Fresh from a stint in New York where he produced designs for globally recognised brands including Nike, Red Bull, Converse, Sony and Lululemon, Victorian-born Sam Chirnside has created a series of artworks to bring the $144 million Gallery House, to be developed on the riverfront at Hamilton, to life.
Chirnside, a multidisciplinary artist, designer and creative director, said he was quick to jump on board the Gallery House development, which took his art in a whole new direction.
He has created three pieces, representing the three different ‘collections’ of apartments being offered in the project, and exploring three different elements central to the lifestyle on offer in Brisbane – Sky, River and City.
“Gallery House is quite different from the fields I usually work in and I’ve always liked to push my art in new directions and present myself in new ways, whether that is through a new medium or a different field,” said Chirnside.
“For the abstract series of works, I was originally inspired by topographical aerial views of land formations that have been shaped over time and the fluid movements seen in these pieces can be referenced to nature and the very essence of life itself.
“Linear layers can also be seen, which represent the stages and phases that occur over a timeline. I hope to have encapsulated Brisbane’s vibrant energy, flow and momentum.
“Incorporating art into properties is a natural extension and complement to the existing design and infrastructure that is part of any development project. It adds an extra element and a fresh perspective.
“With technology and infrastructure advancing at such a fast pace, I feel bringing physical life into a space is very important. It reminds ourselves of who we are.”
While the project is a deviation from his more recent body of work, which includes the key artwork for the Nike Women Victory Tour, designing skateboard prints for Los Angeles label Sovrn and record covers for the likes of Sony artist Young Empires’ album ‘The Gates’, it is in keeping with his trademark abstract designs.
His artworks have been exhibited in St Martins Lane in London, Hamburg in Germany and New York City, along with various displays in Australia, including the ‘Frequencies’ exhibition in Melbourne earlier this year.
Chirnside credits being raised on a farm in rural Victoria as giving him an early taste of the freedom to roam and explore – a key personality trait for any artist.
“It never restricted me from being creative and if anything, it has made me want to explore what is out there and has ultimately broadened my horizon,” he said.
“I remember painting for hours on end, while working alongside my grandma who would meticulously be working on her ceramics.
“Creating was, and still is, a therapeutic outlet for me. It calms my mind and puts me in a good place.”
Chirnside graduated from Monash University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Design, before cutting his teeth at studios and agencies in Melbourne and New York.
Having developed an international reputation, he now has the freedom to freelance from anywhere for clients that are based literally around the world.
“I started off working on personal projects that I published online and it led me to opportunities to work on various cover arts and apparel graphics, and it has been a natural progression since then,” said Chirnside.
“I feel lucky to have worked on what I would call some of my dream projects and to have the ability to work from anywhere in the world.
“I have always drawn inspiration from being in a new city where everything is fresh. My time in New York was a big character-transforming phase in my life so after being back in Australia for a few months, I’m heading to Berlin to pursue that exact feeling.”
Chirnside will unveil his new Gallery House artworks on Tuesday, July 12 at a special event for registered buyers before he takes off to Berlin in July 16. The works will be on display in the new Sales & Display Centre at Portside Wharf before eventually be incorporated into the lobby of the luxury riverfront building when completed.
The works represent varying texture, colours and layering to evoke a sense of evolution, reminiscent of the development of the natural world through time and capturing the essence of the vista of Brisbane, its meandering river and encircling mountains.
The interplay of layering encourages viewers to focus on each stroke, building dimensions and volume through the manipulation of colour and texture.
Lee Butterworth, General Manager of Brookfield Residential Properties, which is developing Gallery House, said it was a coup to have Chirnside on board the project.
“Our vision for Gallery House is to create a vibrant and iconic destination, and to have an artist who has been aligned with so many highly respected international brands involved is just phenomenal,” he said.
“Sam has really captured the essence of Gallery House, which we have carefully designed to maximise its position encapsulating Brisbane’s most iconic assets – the city skyline, the river and the mountains.”
Mr Butterworth said location, lifestyle and design were the cornerstone of the 20-level luxury apartment project, which features one, two and three bedroom apartments, along with a collection of penthouses and sub-penthouses, to be developed on the absolute waterfront at Hamilton.
Designed by renowned architect, Cottee Parker, the apartments will average over 110sqm and feature generous sized balconies, full height windows and quality finishes, with many also featuring two car spaces. The building will also boast a rooftop sanctuary for residents with an infinity pool, outdoor lounge and barbeque area.
The three collections offer varying levels of luxury, with the ‘Sky Collection’ including premium three bedroom-plus apartments and luxurious penthouses with superior fittings and finishes positioned across the top five levels of the building; the ‘River Collection’ boasting two and three bedroom apartments with river views; and the ‘City Collection’ featuring one and two bedroom apartments with urban views.
One bedroom apartments in Gallery House are priced from $419,000, two bedroom apartments from $847,500 and three bedroom apartments from $1.28 million.
For more information go to gallery-house.com.au, phone 07 3630 1666 or visit the Sales Office at 39 Hercules St, Portside Wharf, Hamilton.