Hosier Lane got buffed on Monday, Vanbar (Canada Lane) is getting replastered as I write this. I spoke to the old dude working on the wall, he said he thought the wall looked great - he understood that it was culture. I stayed and took the last photos of the famous stencil gallery. As I was there three different people walked by and remarked at how much of a shame it was that the walll was being covered.
Melbourne has the strongest stencil scene in Australia. It has been recently visited by banksy, the world's leading stencil artist, who was in awe of how visible the scene is here. Victim visitied from Perth and left some of his amazing works. People from across Australia regularly visit and contribute to Melbourne's streets. Melbourne is respected both nationally and internationally for its high quality and density of inspiring street art.
The stencil movement is true art for the people, it is not confined to galleries and is not driven by commercial or historic values. Those of you getting up stencils go harder, bigger, better. Those of you thinking about it the scene welcomes you with welcome arms and space on walls.
Shout outs to HA-HA, DLUX, SYNC, OPTIC, CIVILIAN, PSALM ... THE STENCIL MOVEMENT.
Images taken from CUT IT OUT: A selection of Melbourne's finest stencils, Tuesday June 3rd 6pm at Hush Hush Gallery, Hosier Lane Melbourne City.