Pop star Justin Bieber has spray painted a wall at the QT Gold Coast hotel, drawing an outcry from the region’s Mayor Tom Tait in a stunt that’s being labelled by the property’s management as “a wonderful addition” to the city’s arts scene.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning (Nov 27), Bieber created a graffiti artwork soon after he checked into the property following his first Brisbane show.
Since then, he has had the media in a frenzy after the work of art was slammed by Mayor Tait, who said he would supply Bieber with a graffiti removal kit to clean up his work.
However, the work of art has been embraced by QT Hotels, a chain which has had a significant focus on supporting the arts community and collaborating on installations across its properties.
“Whilst unable to comment while Justin Bieber was staying in the resort due to privacy reasons, the property can now state that it was a coup for the hotel to have Justin want to paint a piece of art in appreciation of his stay,” QT Hotels said in a statement.
“This piece of art is now available to be viewed by fans of the artist and we believe that it is a wonderful addition to the colourful Gold Coast arts scene.”
According to media reports on November 28, Gold Coast City Council was set to order the QT Gold Coast to have the graffiti removed.
Meanwhile, up in Brisbane, a new hotel being built by Wyndham is inviting Bieber to spray paint as much as he likes.
An invitation to Bieber has been posted on YouTube by TRYP Fortitude Valley, a hip new hotel – due to open in June 2014 – that celebrates and features acclaimed street art.
“Hey Justin we know you like to make your mark. ‘Own the City’ at TRYP Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. Come and create some art on our wall and leave your calling card in Oz,” the hotel says in the video.
Wyndham Hotel Group Managing Director Barry Robinson says Bieber “should choose TRYP for his next stay in Queensland”.
TRYP Fortitude Valley is currently under construction in Brisbane and features works from world-acclaimed street artists Magee, Guido, Rone and Beastman.
The Constance Street site for the hotel came adorned with original street art, historically serving as “an underground haven where artists created their works”, he said.
Such artists included Magee, Guido, Rone and Beastman. These artists who began their careers spray painting abandoned buildings and railway tracks and are now acclaimed the world over for their commissioned murals.
Magee’s works adorn iconic city walls in Los Angeles, Sydney and Melbourne. Guido, who has created works throughout Europe and the UK, is in the midst of an artist’s residency in Iceland. Rone’s work was used as a backdrop in a recent Victoria’s Secret television commercial, while Beastman has just completed an exhibition at Ambush Gallery in Sydney.
Wyndham Hotel Group, in partnership with owner and developer Jay McPhee and award-winning architect Shane Denman, have collaborated with the street artists on a cutting-edge plan to preserve and celebrate the artworks.
Imagery of the street art will be prominently featured in TRYP by Wyndham Fortitude Valley’s décor. Furthermore, one artist’s work will be showcased per floor through wallpaper and other design elements.
Robinson said TRYP’s ‘Own the City’ service culture “is our way of showing hotel guests our passion for the city, its unique urban character and help them get the most from their travels”.
“Through their work, these artists will help immerse visiting guests in a one-of-a-kind art experience that the Fortitude Valley area has become renowned for,” said Barry Robinson.
“We are proud to preserve the site’s original art and work with such talented artists on commissioned work to help celebrate Brisbane’s iconic urban art history.
“As for Justin,” said Robinson, “We say, don’t worry Justin, next time you are in Australia, come and stay at the TRYP.
“We will make you feel at home, you can express your creativity and leave your mark.”
The four-storey, 65-room TRYP by Wyndham Fortitude Valley is currently under construction on Constance Street and “is expected to be completed in June 2014”, Robinson said.
Magee, Guido, Rone and Beastman will return to the TRYP building site in April to create an onsite mural when construction is near completion.