Episode 4: Urban Art Underground
Melbourne is experiencing a world-famous street art culture. This reputation has been built up over the past two decades and continues to grow. In this episode we hear from street artist, Adrian Doyle, who has been there from the start. Adrian guides us through the evolution of Melbourne’s Street Art to become what it is today and we discover some of the different works on offer and some of the artists, such as Meggs, Rone and Banksy.
Melbourne Street Art is on display for all to see once restrictions ease.
For an expert guide of Street Art sites do yourself a favour and get in touch with Adrian and his team at Melbourne Street Tours. You can find his details at the website here.
Would you like to read the text of this episode again? No problem. Below you can read the story, Urban Art Underground.
The urban art scene really kicked off in Melbourne in 2001. This wave began with single layer stencil work and has evolved from there. Amongst those creating momentum in the space was Adrian Doyle who, in addition to creating public works, opened his own studio. Here, artists had their own space to come together and have a place to meet, share ideas and create art with other like-minded, local artists in their community.
Given the content and its prominence in the public space, street art can be very divisive. Whereas graffiti is self-referential and doesn’t want to be identified, street art is addressing issues and themes in society. It is accessible and adds a key, relevant voice to societal – often political – discussions.
Melbourne’s art has its own distinct aesthetic due to its isolation from the rest of the world, particularly in the early days – before the 70s – when international travel was very limited. Melbourne has developed its own identity through its recent art. Because Melbourne doesn’t have the same history that imposes itself on contemporary works in other places, particularly strong religious themes or a long history of a particular painting style, artists are able to explore themes on a deeper and freer level. Nowadays both local and international artists, such as Meggs, Rone and Banksy, have contributed works to Melbourne’s ever changing walls.
Street art ignores what is allowed and is self-governing. It brings art out of guarded, high end, potentially exclusive galleries to any member of the public. It becomes part of the daily commute as Melburnians are exposed to it while they’re out and about. However, fewer laneways, more development in the CBD and tighter laws has reduced the space available to street artists to share their works.
Adrian describes true street art as a gateway drug to other forms of art. It encourages public interest in more art and breaks down barriers to accessing art.
As an artist, Adrian has the freedom of flexibility, is able to work as a team to create studio spaces, can create the art he wants to make and the community he wants to exist within. He says his failures have only added to his journey.
For a taste of Melbourne’s street art why not take a walk down the famous Hosier Lane?
The tragic story of Thomas Chirnside who came to Australia with nothing but the bible, a little money and optimism. Joined by his brother Andrew and wife to be Mary, the friends successfully built a pastoral empire, bred famous race horses and acquired respect, fame and fortune. However, this was short lived and the three met devastating ends.