Description:

Mesh, located on the corner of Nuffield Street, is a retail space that offers comics, coffee, and printmaking workshops.

The connection between mesh and the comic gutter lies in their shared structural function. In comics, gutters - the spaces between panels, help guide the reader’s eye. Similarly, mesh uses the spaces between individual strands to create a
framework that holds elements together. Both concepts emphasise the importance of boundaries and organisation in visual storytelling in comics or design.

The concept draws inspiration from the halftoning technique used in older comics, where an array of circles creates images and depth. This inspired me to explore the relationship between monoprinting and comics, both flat images on a page that create narrative and dimension through technique. I experimented with laser engraving halftoned monoprints onto paper,
which led to the creation of delicate, deep red metal mesh screens. These screens
filter light, casting playful shadows that interact with the space, blurring the view of
the street and inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of comics.

The space is divided into three sections, defined by mesh bookshelves: Dissolve, Disperse, and Disappear. Dissolve is a space dedicated to
browsing and reading, where large window displays draw in passersby through the
interplay of mesh screens and comic imagery. Disperse features comics displayed in
mesh shelving, with a central point of sale and coffee station encouraging social interactions and deeper engagement with the art. Disappear is the printmaking studio, offering monoprinting and linoprinting workshops, where visitors can bring their creative ideas to life.

Each area is named to reflect visibility, filtered through the layers of red perforations. Moving through Mesh feels like stepping into the pages of a comic, surrounded by bold colours, immersive storytelling, and layered textures that blur the boundaries between the real and illustrated worlds. This experience transforms 2D images into a tangible, sensory journey. By participating in workshops or sharing a coffee, Mesh becomes a living gallery that bridges the gap between art and everyday life.