You Are My Sunshine

You Are My Sunshine adorns Beirne Lane in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley like a giant, hand-crafted jewel that glistens with colour-changing light. In the early 20th Century, the Fortitude Valley was the epicentre of local fashion, and the TC Beirne Department store was one of its most popular destinations. While The Valley is now known for its vibrant night-life, the artwork lights the laneway with the elegance and style of a by-gone era – welcoming people to linger and explore.

Loving restorations of landmarks such as the TC Beirne building and ‘Queenslander’ cottages across Brisbane reflect the city’s desire to preserve its remaining cultural heritage. You Are My Sunshine materially captures the memories associated with these spaces using pressed metal and decorative glass commonly found in Queensland architecture, together with a centre-piece of buttons and glass beads that once might have been sold by TC Beirne.

Location: Beirne Lane – Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

Materials: stainless steel, perspex, resin, pressed aluminium, buttons, glass beads, LED’s, custom code and electronics.