Blog Archives
Metro Graff Three
Here we have the third video in the Metro Graff series that documents Melbourne graffiti.
This instalment features an introduction by Victor Lancaster -you will know Victor as the seemingly soiled and dishevelled ‘bum‘ busking on the city streets with his home-made drum kit. However, Victor is also on the arts scene and is one talented musician. He has recently released an album, and he composed an electronic music track to accompany an Anthony Lister project in Hosier Lane. The video, proper, features live graff painting on the city streets -by the likes of Bailer, Sofles, Caper, Facter and a bunch more. Shot principly on Union Lane, and Finlay Lane; the video is accompanied by The Nextmen track ‘Spin It Round‘. Enjoy.
Primary Suspects (Reka)
What would the Melbourne graff scene be without our beloved Reka? It‘d have nothing on the contemporary Euro‘s or Californians that’s for sure. I remember riding the Franga/ Dandy line back in 2002; everyday relishing the Reka characters adorning the embankment walls along the lines -particularly between South Yarra and Malvern.
The once elusive Reka has since inspired legions of next-generation writers and toys, whilst building an artistic practice that has seen him adorn the walls & galleries of New York, San Fran, LA, Berlin etc. One of the founding members of the EverFresh Crew and Skinny White Boys stalwart, Reka continues to aspire to great heights, luckily, taking us punters along for the ride! Now, witness the Primary Suspects show at the nucleus of Melb‘s fine art graffiti community: Backwoods Gallery - 2nd until 18th March, Easey St. Collingwood:
Writers Bench
Oriel Guthrie directs this documentary film tracing the development of the graffiti scene in Melbourne. Following on from her 2004 short Skip Hop, this film explores the stories and perspectives of those who grew up with the movement, and also those that are engrossed in its contemporary incarnation. It traces the Street Art scene in Melbourne from 1980 until the present day. The film explores its roots in political slogans, through to the development of styles that are uniquely Australian.
The film screens at ACMI weekly, on Saturdays 12th, 19th, 26th of November at 4pm.
Crown Heights
Last night we were witness to the opening of the Crown Heights exhibition at Eleven A in Highlander Place.
The gallery upstairs at Eleven A hosted works from the current kings of graffiti in Melbourne. Works featured were from contemporary crews KSA, MR, F1 and MSA (among the lesser-known). Artists themselves included Aeon, Renks, Greco, Tres, Break, Lush, Banos, and more. Although there was at least a dozen pieces that were brilliant; unfortunately most of the gear left a lot to be desired. Albeit creative and varied in form, the disappointment stemmed from the percieved lack of attention to detail (seeing brush-strokes from marker pen can piss you off a bit). I must re-iterate that this was confined to the lesser works; the smaller and apparently more affordable shit on show. Many of these were simply black book pieces; the kind of stuff you’d expect to form a guide to a brilliant piece assembled on one of the lines.
In all, it was an interesting night. The stand-out pieces were somewhat complemented by the tedious. A varied range is always palatable although I must admit that we expected more from the big names around town (and abroad). Another downer was a Kylie Minogue remix pumped on the loudspeakers, while a dj booth in the gallery proper was left idle. If only a bit more care was taken in the execution of the lesser works and some pride in the arrangement of the venue; notably in price lists and said lack of kickin’ tunes; then we would’ve not only stayed longer but also left in a positive state of mind. At the end of the day, though -who am I to judge? The exhibits are up until May 20th so can do so yourself...
-Rock the Boat
Dabs & Myla
Melbourne‘s graffiti scene is humbled to have the Super Smooth street art duo Dabs & Myla call this city home.
The pair run in sync; they comprise an epic ensemble that have grown together in both art and relationship over many years. “Every day we wake up, paint all day …and keep each other entertained with constant chatter and stupid jokes” they muse.
Dabs & Myla are heavy-weights on the Melbourne graff scene: with New 2 and as part of SDM and ADN crews, they have trailblazed the fine arts development of graff and remain among the best in the business. They‘ve recently flown into town after 12 months in LA; where they‘ve hooked up with some industry greats and found both inspiration and new outlets for their amazing artworks. They told INFX that they‘re to return to LA again -having moved there semi-permanently; teaming up with Craola to paint some delicious walls (see pic from Miami down below). Also, check some of their works in this video, including coverage of their Super Smooth book launch and Hollywood & West gallery show:
