Jacaranda Place Mural

Public Art Project Manager for CREATIVEMOVE (2021) to commission a public mural for their new adolescent extended treatment centre, Jacaranda Place. This mural will cover wall space in the facility’s ‘Performance Courtyard’

Photography: Marc Pricop.

CREATIVEMOVE was thrilled to continue its ongoing relationship with Children’s Health Queensland by being engaged to commission a public mural for their new adolescent extended treatment centre, Jacaranda Place. The purpose of the facility, to support adolescent occupants, suggested an exciting opportunity to engage with Brisbane’s emerging artists. The opportunity was then specifically shaped to commission a young artist (up to 25 years based within South East Queensland) to create a concept design and undertake the commission with the assistance of experienced mural artist, Matthew Newkirk. Matthew worked closely with the shortlisted artists during the Concept Design stage, the selected artist, Sam Wilkinson (known as Leans) then worked closer with Matthew to see the work come to fruition in the Implementation stage. 

Leans is a young artist based in Brisbane, Australia. His work is influenced by his daily intake of the Internet, urban environments, as well as the passing of time. Leans’ artwork responds to the Curatorial Thematic ‘Imagining bright future possibilities’ and strives to contribute to the safe and supportive environment of Jacaranda Place.

He states ‘through the use of contemporary colours and shapes, the focus is on the younger generation, and in doing so, the viewer will experience a deeper connection to the space and feel as if it was created for them as individuals. This will evoke a positive reaction and transform the space from what otherwise could have seemed like an intimidating area. Abstract shapes, natural patterns and interlocking pathways unite to provide the viewer with a burst of colour. This bursting notion is heightened by the organic and kinetic appearance of the shapes.’ 

CREATIVEMOVE would like to sincerely thank the Children’s Health Queensland; Arts In Health Manager, Lynne Seear; Samuel Wilkinson (Leans) and mentor artist Matthew Newkirk.