The stakes are really high for those who wander around the Sydney Streets at night armed with spray cans to color their world of anonymity! There are strict laws and fines against Graffiti, and police could match tags with known databases, and can arrest anyone with spray-can possession! Which only leaves the option for artists to remain faceless and hide behind their unique-tag!
However, there are some places in Sydney which adores and persecutes for the expression of these artists, in their natural home, where they are supposed to be, in the walls!
May Lane Art Project, St. Peters.
Just Next to the St. Peters Station, 200 yards of criss-crossed laneways create the city’s most interesting gallery filled with incredible artistry also supported by local residents and businesses. The Founder, "Balog" quotes, "..you have to understand all of the culture. there are so many people who had their lives destroyed doing it: they lost families, jobs, they lost friends on train lines! it's not just about what goes up on the wall -- it's the intention behind it." And I cannot agree more. Respect to this man!
Graffiti Tunnel, University of Sydney, Technology Lane
Graffiti tunnel is a tunnel in USYD that runs between Manning and Holme buildings. Ceiling runs for the most part with an opening in the middle which is artificially lit with over 2m tall walls running for a decent stretch along with some stairs as well. Anything can be put up in these walls as long as it isn't "offensive". There is no chance of being hassled by any of the police officers or university security. This place is beast!
Bondi Beach Promenade
Bondi Beach’s promenade has been a site for graffiti since the 1960s. Waverley Council says it is helping Bondi to “lead the way in being a vibrant and inspiring place that supports its diverse population, creative culture, enriching lifestyle and stunning natural features.” While traditional graffiti pieces are on show, we could also find new school street art and two memorial murals as well! Even personally, this is one of my favorites places. Not only the graffiti age years, it is a perfect place to skate, appreciate the art, have the most fun of the beach and Sydney's Urban Life in general.
Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Foveaux Street, Surry Hills, Lipton Ice Tea Positive Project, Surry Hills, I Have A Dream : MLK, Newtown are some other famous places with 'legal walls' of Sydney.
“Phibs” is one of Sydney’s most prolific graffiti artists who has made the artistic leap from wanted criminal to toast of galleries. His art was part of the National Gallery of Australia’s recent street art exhibition, Space Invaders. Not surprisingly, “Phibs” disagrees with the government’s approach. He argues for a more pragmatic approach and more council-sanctioned legal walls.
He believes the city’s underground graffiti is symptomatic of artistic youths starved of an outlet for their work, and quotes, "People who have grown up with this sort of stuff will understand that there’s other ways to deal with it. Legal walls will reduce the criminal element, allowing a safe avenue to produce high quality art,”
We hope every artist could get recognition and the respect they want to earn as Phibs did, but necessarily it does not mean by doing everything illegally! We hope we could find more legal walls in the near future!! Written By : Ujzwol
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