Permanent Art Collection

Portside Portal, 2024

Russell Fenn, better known as Sofles | Brisbane

"Portside Portal" mural of a woman with dark features surrounded by colorful shapes and designs
Sofles Mural "Portside Portal" at Portside Wharf Brookfield - Portside Wharf - Sofles Install May 2024 (Atmosphere Photography /Atmosphere Photography)

Portside Wharf, a welcoming, authentic, lively, and charismatic dining and lifestyle community in Brisbane, with a rich waterfront history, now boasts a stunning mural by internationally acclaimed Brisbane street artist Sofles. This new artwork, titled “Portside Portal” and commissioned as part of the 2024 Brisbane Street Art Festival, captures the elegance and dynamic energy of Portside Wharf, blending fluid liquid effects and vibrant coral-inspired hues to create a captivating feature wall.

Artist Russell Fenn, better known as Sofles, painting a mural
Sofles Mural "Portside Portal" at Portside Wharf Brookfield - Portside Wharf - Sofles Install May 2024 (Atmosphere Photography /Atmosphere Photography)
Artist Russell Fenn, better known as Sofles, in front of the mural
Sofles Mural "Portside Portal" at Portside Wharf Brookfield - Portside Wharf - Sofles Install May 2024 (Atmosphere Photography /Atmosphere Photography)

Artist Russell Fenn, better known as Sofles, has been a transformative figure in the graffiti art scene for over two decades. Originating from Brisbane, Sofles is a self-taught artist who works with various mediums, including spray paint, acrylics, digital art, and illustration. His large-scale murals adorn the walls of cities across the globe, including Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

Sofles pursues a clear artistic mission, aiming to evoke emotions and transform public spaces through his art. “I believe art should be an important part of the city landscape. I want to create public art for people to enjoy, to transform spaces,” he states.

“Portside Portal” is a tribute to the cosmopolitan ambience of Portside Wharf.

Since its inception in 2016, the Brisbane Street Art Festival has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. The festival, which ran from May 4 to 19, 2024, is renowned for its commitment to artist development and public engagement.

Portside Wharf’s involvement in the 2024 festival reflects our commitment to fostering community spirit and cultural enrichment.

angle view from a distance of the Sofles Mural "Portside Portal"
Sofles Mural "Portside Portal" at Portside Wharf Brookfield - Portside Wharf - Sofles Install May 2024 (Atmosphere Photography /Atmosphere Photography)