Baz Luhrmann gives emerging local artist a boost
Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann has backed a young Queensland artist who served him at a Gold Coast restaurant.
Luhrmann, who is based on the Gold Coast while working on his big-budget Elvis Presley flick, met budding artist Brandon Shaw at his frequent dining spot, Broadbeach’s Lupo Restaurant, where Shaw invited the filmmaker to his debut solo exhibition.
The 27-year-old, who studied at the Queensland College of Art, was surprised when Luhrmann attended the show, held at neighbouring venue Zeppelin Barbers in October, and purchased one of his paintings for his Gold Coast pad.
“He enjoyed my company (at Lupo), and liked the martinis I made,” Shaw said.
“He and his producer, Schuyler Weiss — I invited them to the show and they both came and bought some art, and we’ve been friends ever since.
“It’s hanging in his bedroom now where he is staying. It’s incredible and it was a nice shock to the system.”
Shaw’s artwork is based on abstract but familiar shapes of his home on the Gold Coast, including a symbol representing growing up on a cul-de-sac.
Luhrmann has made a point of investing in Queensland’s arts sector. As well as bringing his Elvis movie to the Gold Coast, he has also supported the Queensland Ballet, having hosted a dinner for the organisation on the coast late last year.
“He obviously likes my artwork, he wouldn’t have bought it otherwise, but I think he likes that it’s really Gold Coast. He talks a lot about the Gold Coast and how he’s investing in it,” the artist told Confidential.
Shaw has sold his artwork, which starts from between $500 to $1000, to a number of restaurants on the Gold Coast as well as the Alfred’s Apartment store.
His paintings are now on display at Keith’s coffee shop in Murwillumbah.