Melbourne's Artistic Culture

All graffiti has a element of elegance to me even if its the shit tag on a wall, because it pioneers a spot which can in turn evolve into something bigger. Even if the shit tag remains and sits there, it serves a function/purpose to occupy space. It says hey you... look how I see art differently. Or maybe not even art, it could be destructive vandalism. If art vandalism is what you do, then I say "rock it." 

Ringwood

Talented artist Howie inverts the name in an effort to seek extra attention from the punters.

We live in a society were we are taught "everything can be bought and sold." The truth may hurt but that statement is complete bullshit! Graffiti can neither be bought or sold. The artist/s produce the work but they never own the right to protect it let alone cut the wall out and sell it. Often the community or local authority dictates when the graffiti exhibition is to be obliterated. Once the artwork is gone it will never return, unless the artist persists and restores or recreates it. So in effect every-time a graff wall is buffed the culture behind the wall is somewhat lost and the vibe of an area changes. A artist once said "graffiti is energy." People from all over the world come to Melbourne to Hosier Lane to feed off the vibrant energy seeping off the walls.

Hosier Lane part of the broader Melbourne Arts Culture

Facing new Frontiers

As the graffiti culture progresses with age, it gets better, a bit like cheese. Melbourne's scene really took off in the 80's. 30-40 years on boundaries are still being pushed and the skills continues to develop and evolve. Freeway signs are one of the latest frontiers with many pieces popping up on the Monash Fwy. 

South Gippsland Hwy

Newtown, Sydney

Welcome to Newtown, Sydney. A culturally diverse inner-western suburb of Sydney. This is Sydney's equivalent of Melbourne's trendy Brunswick, Collingwood, Fitzroy region or vice versa. Its an interesting place and worth a visit. This like many other inner-city suburbs focuses more on street art rather than graffiti. The stickers have become important element in softening this urban landscape.   

 

Each sign is plastered with stickers. It appears the local council has supported it and even approved unusually small speed limit text on such a large sign. From these signs we can see a number of influential artists. 

• Stabs is probably from Melbourne and known for his intricate stencils
• Mini Graff, she is from New Zealand is now based in Sydney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHc-Dd9hz4k
• Above from California? Has traveled the world with his trademark arrows, his identity remains anonymous  
• Phibs from Sydney, paints with his own distinctive style see fish top photo

Link to Newtown Mini Doco on Graffiti and Street Art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1a-20hCUhg