Few days have passed since David Bowie’s death and the world is flooded with tributes honouring his legacy.
One of the most haunting ones has appeared in Richmond, on one of Melbourne’s busiest arteries. Featured on the external front wall of Bakehouse Studios, on Punt Road, are two gigantic photos of the legendary pop artist, pasted up by the studio’s owners, Helen Marcou and Quincy McLean.
It’s not the first time the music studio’s facade has featured such images. It was after the death of another rocker – and Bowie’s friend – Lou Reed that posters of the artist appeared on the studio’s exterior, which has since been doubling as a kind of public art gallery, presenting a rotation of large-sized displays of art to the thousands of people driving by each day.
Bakehouse Studios, one of the the best of its kind in the world, has hosted dozens of artists, from Nick Cave and the Drones to Beck and Elvis Costello and its rehearsing rooms are decorated with original art.
It was only natural that its owners would be affected by Bowie’s sudden demise. His photos will remain posted on the wall for a month, and fans, visitors and passers-by will be welcome to leave written messages on them.
Adding their voices to those around the world mourning the passing of a great artist, Helen Marcou and Quincy McLean issued a heartfelt statement, ending with this phrase: “You helped us mere mortals recognise the colour and preciousness of our surroundings and how the human condition, through all its tumult, ugliness and pain is still glorious, how living is about embracing change not fearing it. The Artist is dead. Vale Bowie”.