Traffic Signal Box Art

The two pictures here are taken alternatively from the intersections of Queen Street and Adelaide Street, and Queen Street and Macrossan Street. The thing both have in common is traffic signal boxes (TSBs) which control the traffic lights. They've been painted! The image of the two diners called Toast was painted by artist John Knap in 2001. He has painted at least eight others. The image of the Story Bridge was painted by artist Justin McLeod in 2001. He two has painted at least seven others.

Artforce is a public art project that gives Brisbane residents the opportunity to turn the city's traffic signal boxes (TSBs) into works of art. Anyone can apply to paint one, although the two rules are:

• The artist must reside within the City of Brisbane
• You must get your design approved by Queensland Urban Ecology

On average, artworks last from 6 months to 4 years.

One of the great things I believe a community can do, is to take something which is inherently ugly and turn it into something beautiful. This is one thing which the Brisbane City Council have done very well. All around the city are Traffic Signal Boxes which have been converted from dull, lifeless, grey pieces of visual pollution into fascinating and varied works of art. There are literally hundreds throughout the suburbs of Brisbane, with a significant number in the City itself. The pictures here represent a mere two of these.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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