Open Studios
1-3 November
The Girl Who Lived in the Tree
A close friend from the National Gallery of Victoria urged me to seize the opportunity to paint this mural, though it took a lot of convincing. Initially, the idea seemed to embody everything I avoided: commissions, murals, monochrome, precision, heights, and deadlines. I stubbornly refused to even consider it. Eventually, I relented and agreed to travel to Melbourne to discuss the commission, though I still felt repulsed by the idea.
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However, everything changed when I delved into the life of Alexander McQueen. His relentless dedication, coupled with his inner struggles that tragically led to his suicide, resonated deeply with me. Suddenly, everything fell into place.
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The mural, standing six meters tall, was a reproduction of a design from one of McQueen's dresses depicted here. In November 2022, I embarked on this project, with a 1 x 2 meter scissor lift as my studio for a week and a timeline of five days. Surprisingly, it turned out to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. The solitude, mindfulness, and intense focus were euphoric. That week, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, all while listening to my one playlist on repeat. The result was well received.
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