PUBLIC ART
There are some great examples of public art to explore both locally and internationally.
In Melbourne, our central business district has been planned around a myriad of laneways. Tourists come especially to visit Melbourne to see examples of street and public art, in locations such as Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, Centre Place, Croft Alley, Duckboard Place, just to name just a few.
Top Image: Hosier Lane Melbourne (Photo: Studio OneOne)
Local artist Mirka Mora also created public art in Melbourne, such as her mural at Flinder Street Station, a mosaic designed outdoor seat on the St Kilda Beach foreshore and an external artwork in Acland Street St Kilda near Tolarno restaurant. Mirka also hand painted a series of external windows at Heide Museum of Modern Art during one of her exhibitions at the museum.
Top Image: Mirka Mora Window Mural, Heide Museum of Modern Art (Photo: Studio OneOne)
Lower Image: Street art mural in Richmond, Melbourne (Photo: Studio OneOne)
Overseas artists such as New York's Keith Haring, have also contributed to Melbourne's public art with his 1984 heritage listed mural at 35 Johnston Street Collingwood, which is currently being conserved and restored. In that same year and during his only ever visit to Melbourne, Haring created the first ever mural on the National Gallery of Victoria's (NGV) famous water wall. As part of the current Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines Exhibition at the galllery, the NGV have recreated this famous water wall mural.
Victoria has produced expansive artwork across canvasses such as silos. Melbourne's Nylex sign silos have had various artworks displayed over the years. Images of the New Zealand prime minister Jacinta Adern has adorned a silo in Tinning Street Brunswick. And there is the well known 'Silo Trail' in the Wimmera Mallee, regional Victoria, which is definitely worth a visit and displays the public art of various Australian artists.
Top and lower images: The Nylex Sign and Nylex Silos in Cremorne, Melbourne (Photo: Studio OneOne)
Melbourne street artist Rone has produced various large scale murals on silos in Geelong, Fyansford, and Lacelles in regional Victoria. Rone also has public art displayed in suburbs throughout Melbourne and its CBD, and recently completed a sell out show called 'Empire' at Burnham Beeches in the Dandenong Ranges.
Although public art is sometimes temporary in nature, it has an ethereal quality that keep the public intrigued by its meaning, messages and longevity.
