Melbourne is covered in street art, or graffiti – some legal, some not. Every back alley, every fence facing a train line (some that aren’t), every bridge, has been a canvas at one time.
I like finding cool ones and taking their pictures.
Some don’t look this nice.
Some have been commissioned.
Some are of crazy looking short men, with uneven eyes, pointing in an upwards direction.
They make the train ride more interesting, and probably annoy people who’s stuff gets painted on.
There is now a large fine if you are caught with a can of spray paint. It is illegal to sell spray paint to minors.
This graffiti is actually quite attractive. It reminds me of what we see painted on the sides of railroad cars, only these in Melbourne are so much more attractive, colorful and vivid. In some ways, they have some characteristics of manga or anime. I’m not particularly fond of that format because it often seems so “dark.” At least these are colorful. I wonder if the authorities anyplace can keep up with young people and spray paint!
I guess it depends on your definition of ‘gang related.’ I guess it could be groups of kids running around spraying stuff, which may be considered a gang leaving their tag. They don’t really seem to have many gangs to the extent that Detroit etc. does.
Not the kind of art that grabs me, but still **really** well done! And fun to be an “art collector” with your camera all over town–to find the new and unusual and well-done. Interesting that that’s such an aspect of Melbourne. Great the photos, Josh! And love how they give us another glimpse into your daily world there. XOXOX
7 Comments »
Comment by josh — June 17, 2008 @ 11:45 pm
Melbourne is covered in street art, or graffiti – some legal, some not. Every back alley, every fence facing a train line (some that aren’t), every bridge, has been a canvas at one time.
I like finding cool ones and taking their pictures.
Some don’t look this nice.
Some have been commissioned.
Some are of crazy looking short men, with uneven eyes, pointing in an upwards direction.
They make the train ride more interesting, and probably annoy people who’s stuff gets painted on.
There is now a large fine if you are caught with a can of spray paint. It is illegal to sell spray paint to minors.
Comment by Clara — June 18, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
This graffiti is actually quite attractive. It reminds me of what we see painted on the sides of railroad cars, only these in Melbourne are so much more attractive, colorful and vivid. In some ways, they have some characteristics of manga or anime. I’m not particularly fond of that format because it often seems so “dark.” At least these are colorful. I wonder if the authorities anyplace can keep up with young people and spray paint!
Comment by dadman — June 19, 2008 @ 5:29 am
Creative stuff. A lot better than I could ever imagine doing. Is it just fun and artistic expression, or is some of it gang related like around here?
Comment by josh — June 20, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
I guess it depends on your definition of ‘gang related.’ I guess it could be groups of kids running around spraying stuff, which may be considered a gang leaving their tag. They don’t really seem to have many gangs to the extent that Detroit etc. does.
Comment by Peg — June 21, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Not the kind of art that grabs me, but still **really** well done! And fun to be an “art collector” with your camera all over town–to find the new and unusual and well-done. Interesting that that’s such an aspect of Melbourne. Great the photos, Josh! And love how they give us another glimpse into your daily world there. XOXOX
Comment by dadman — June 22, 2008 @ 6:18 am
yeah, I meant bad gangs that you don’t want to be around. ;^)
Comment by Paulina — September 7, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
good job guys
This isn’t just some random spraying slash vandalism… it honestly takes a great deal of thought, creativity and talent.
your art is being recognised and street art is gona become huge not too far down the line so you can all chin up = D
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a comment