Graffiti Artist At Work
When visiting the colourful and fascinating graffiti painted Lanes in central Melbourne, Australia, I discovered a graffiti artist at work.
I’d heard about these back streets of Melbourne, and was delighted to get the opportunity to walk down some of these lanes and take photos. It didn't take long to see why people from all around the world take time to visit these vibrant lanes.
Graffiti art has transformed the aged, decrepit narrow lanes which were formerly the gathering spot for hoons and drifters. Their acclaimed, controversial art-form of choice is displayed in technicolour over every spare inch of paintable surface.
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, and is the capital city of Victoria. It's street art and similar subcultures are actively sought after for its diversity and historic interest. Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, young people who had been largely influenced by the graffiti in New York began replicating this street art around inner Melbourne suburbs which also spread to suburban railways and tram lines.
Originally angry protests and frustrations were unleashed with spray cans over council owned property, undoubtedly drawing unwanted attentions of the Establishment. But amongst these serial offenders came budding artists with a desire to make their statements in a more creative manner.
At the beginning of the 21st Century, different forms of street art made an appearance which included, woodblocking, poster art, sticker art, wheatpasting, graphs. There were a few versions of street installations and reverse graffiti produced then too.
Stencil art became very popular and this led to the very first stencil festival to be held in Melbourne in 2004. This was an opportunity to feature the work of a large number major international artists.
Interest has now grown to the extent of Galleries within the city center and outer suburbs creating exhibits for street art. Well known street artists had some of their work featured in ‘Space Invaders,’ and in 2010 an exhibition of street art took place at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.
The most famous graffiti laneway in Melbourne is Hosier Lane but it is just one of many, situated in the middle of the city. As graffiti has gained fame in the streets of Melbourne, it has also attracted both detractors and supporters from both the community and government.
A lot of controversy still lingers today following the Melbourne City Councils admission of the difficulties which exist to hinder the preservation of street art. Their 2014-18 management plan states that the, "Protection of street art is not practical apart from certain works that have been commissioned.
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
