One of the things
I love about Melbourne is the city’s art scene. Not only does Melbourne have
over 100 art galleries but you don’t need to spend long in the city to notice
the vibrant street art, one of the features that keeps Melbourne streets
interesting and edgy.
Don’t be mistaken
and think that ‘street art’ is a yuppy term for graffiti. Graffiti is
definitely part of Melbourne’s street art scene but it is not just random sprays and tags. There is much more to it than
that. Mosaics, murals and pieces of art also bring the city’s streets to life, making the
city feel friendly and definitely making them more colourful.
Graffiti
In an effort to
combat illegal graffiti, the City of Melbourne set legal graffiti zones, which
have become visitor attractions in their own right. Hosier and Rutledge Lane,
just opposite Federation Square, are a fantastic example in a convenient
location for visitors.
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| Street artists in Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Australia |
Other locations to see legal graffiti include Caledonian
Lane, Union Lane, Finlay Avenue, Degraves Street, Palmerston Street and
Flinders Lane. The designs are interesting to examine and display religious
images, opinion, political messages and some incredible artwork.
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| Street Art in Melbourne, Australia |
Artworks
Mosaics, murals
and sculptures are also plentiful in Melbourne where quirky neighborhoods have embraced
street art. One such neighbourhood (and a great one to visit if you want to see
street art) is Fitzroy. Three colourful Russian Babushka dolls brighten up a
housing estate and provide a play area for children.
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| Babushka Dolls, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia |
Eccentric
sculpture adds a curious but fun look to the shopping streets with Vasette
florist advertising with a massive flower sculpture on the roof and bees flying
up an external wall of the building. Dragons bring Polyester Books and
Polyester Records alive and an angel offers a tray of goodies above Sweet
Temptations.
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| Eccentric sculptures liven up shopping in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia |
Along Brunswick
Street you can see mosaic designs inlaid into the pavement, many now in a state
of poor repair. Mosaic murals can also be seen on walls in the housing estate. One
of my favourite features of the area is the sculpted and mosaic benches created
by Giuseppe Roneri. Two offer sightseeing legs a rest at the corner of Victoria
Street and one is on the corner of Westgarth Street.
Have you been to
Melbourne? Which areas would you suggest people visit to see street art?
