And look what happens to the store front of Artisan's gallery on Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley.
QUT interior design students have created Woven, an eye-catching display crafted from corrugated cardboard, old movie film and hessian, to frame the street front of the high-end art and artifacts gallery and retail space.
The Window Project is now an annual program in which teams of QUT design students up-cycle pre-used materials into new, bold and creative window installations to reflect the ethos of Artisan, with a budget of $250. The windows change throughout the year.
Woven, says Stephanie Manieri project manager and fourth year design student, is a snake-like installation that reflects Artisan's current exhibitions, and its dedication to craftsmanship and design.
The team was inspired by the earthy themes of the two exhibitions: Creativity of Meenas, monochromatic paintings, produced by Meena women from Rajasthan, replicating the motifs they traditionally paint on the walls and floors of their houses with chalk or ochre; and The Bunyas: Cathy Keys, ceramic pieces of bunya nut forms and ceramic brooches with miniature scenic photographs of the Bunya mountains.
"With the constraints of budget, time and scale, the design team was able to produce a great design outcome that we are delighted with," Stephanie said.
"The installation serves as an introduction to Artisan where the eye-catching design advertises not only the current exhibitions but also showcases the intricate, finely crafted items in the store.
"Woven also provides an interactive quality - Artisan visitors can weave strips of colour into the installation so that the wider community can participate in the design's evolution."
QUT interior design lecturer Natalie Wright, who initiated the Window Project, said it opened opportunities for design students to work collaboratively on small-scale retail and exhibition design projects.
"QUT design student teams are mentored by Artisan staff and the contributing artists over six weeks to develop a concept aligned to Artisan's exhibition and retail program.
"The program fosters real-world engagement and networking while allowing students to showcase their talents in the public realm as an introduction to professional practice."
Woven will grace the Artisan window until June. The design team, led by Natalie Wright , includes Stephanie Manieri, Carolynne Napier, Leah Brown, and Georgia Poser.
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au.
