We can’t walk out of home any day without seeing it. Everywhere. Now that’s not true because it isn’t everywhere, but my word it feels like it is. Any surface seems to be fair game; someone’s fence, post boxes, vacant shops, the hoardings of active shops/restaurants/theatres, bus shelters, tram stops, walls in car parks; anywhere. Graffiti. Some of it looks more like artwork than other of it. But one can’t be anywhere in Melbourne without getting used to graffiti. There is no respite. Interesting that I chose the word respite.
As a North American and European fine artist, I’m struggling with a sense of the ‘right’ to have a public space for art. Apparently, this is one of the reasons given for why there is so much graffiti. I’m not used to the concept of a right to public space to do anything but to gather and to walk. In my prior two resident countries, even that is under threat. My experience is that rights to space are conferred by the one who owns or manages the space. Sculptures in public places were commissioned and permitted. They are at risk of public reaction to them, but they don’t go up without some kind of legal arrangement. I have certainly learned in the UK that every bit of land is managed by someone. Perhaps that isn’t just or good, but it is the way it is. It is interesting to me that in a country where space managed and honoured by peoples for tens of thousands of years and unceremoniously taken by settlers now is a country with the sense that there should be a right to any space for public art. It confuses me. So much simply looks like vandalism. I will learn why it seems a good idea, I hope. The rest of my life will include it! Anyway, our ship has arrived. Our personal contents will be with us in a few weeks. Most likely the lorry bringing it will be sporting graffiti :-)
I’ve taken photos and share them below. I have no way to ask the artist’s permission. I’m not sure about that either…
Here’s something about why there is So much Graffiti in Melbourne.
