Rice Daubney, the architecture and design practice behind Perth’s recently revamped ‘140’ fashion and dining precinct in Perth, has enlisted US graphic artist Matt W. Moore to transform the space above the Murray Street Mall entrance.
The kaleidoscopic, abstract murals of the self-described former “graffiti kid” have previously been featured on Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Coca-Cola bottles, Apple desktops and Nike shoes, as well as on walls in New York, Paris London and Berlin.
"To have Matt design this amazing piece of public artwork is a major coup for Perth and for 140," says Chris Hardy, asset manager at project developer Cbus Property.
A team of painters will work over a five week period to install Moore's work on the soffit above the Aviary and Forever New flagship stores on Murray Street Mall.
The permanent overhead mural is expected to take five weeks and 315 litres of paint to create, and will feature hues of purples, blue, black and silver. It will be seen by an estimated 48,000 pedestrians a day.
Matt W. Moore concept for 140
Moore is one of five artists whose work will bring to life the laneways of 140's ground floor retail, food and beverage precinct. This includes wall murals in 140's Globe and Railway Lanes by Perth artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers and Melbourne artist Benjamin Johnson, as well as a suspended canopy from the ceiling at Postal Place, by Australian artist Nike Savvas.
Nike Savvas concept for 140
Perth-based jewellery designer and artist Alister Yiap will install gem-shaped bronze and copper artworks throughout the area. These artworks can also be used as seating.
Alister Yiap concept for 140
The architecture and design team hope the synergy between art, architecture and consumerism will change the sterile perception of Perth created by the monochrome, steel and glass buildings.
"The idea was to bring a vibrant and diverse mix of uses and layers into the laneways which attract consumers and tenants. This is not the monotone look you get in shopping malls where a wall is painted yellow or blue," says Rice Daubney principal Susanne Pini.
"It was really important the rejuvenation project focused on activating the four laneways that act as the axis of the retail precinct, in a way which drew people to the area and made them want to stay."
Kyle Hughes-Odgers concept for 140
Several new restaurants with a heavy dose of wow factor will also fill the 140 space, including a new German boutique beer hall making its Australian debut, chocolatier Koko Black's biggest Australian salon and a sea of alfresco dining outside other new local bars
Now under construction, the transformation of 140 is expected to be finished mid-year. The precinct is bounded by William and Wellington Streets and the Murray Street Mall.
