Blog
Fresh energy and colour to Melbourne streets after lying dormant for 2 years
artists, spaces
30 May 2022
Installation view of Leo by Sarah Crowest,
Corrs Lane, Chinatown, Melbourne.
Photo courtesy of Flash Forward
It has been a while between posts, but as we emerge (once again) I feel like we are finally on our way back to recovery after too many lockdowns and too many COVID restrictions.
It feels like a luxury to be able to visit an art space or go to an opening freely. I have loved seeing our Melbourne streets come alive with new artworks and murals.
Programs such as Flash Forward, presented by the City of Melbourne and Victorian Government, have activated over 40 of our hidden and historic laneways around Melbourne. This activation not only reignites the city, but also supports small businesses and sole traders, creating jobs for those in specialist areas. These programs are vital to giving fresh energy and colour to streets that lay dormant for the past two years.
Sarah Crowest's work – Close to the Edge, in Corrs Lane, Chinatown, and partnering work Leo – caught my eye. The face of Leo uses existing structures, vents, pipes, textures and concrete panelling to give a 3D form to the face. It's fun and colourful – a nice addition to the lane.
Photography – Another wonderful festival that has just taken place and continues in a select number of art spaces is PHOTO 2022, International Festival of Photography. The title of its 2022 edition is Being Human.
Installation view of Surat, 2022 by Atong Aten.
Photo courtesy of walk-to-art
Offering a diverse program of artists and spaces, including the use of many outdoor locations and precincts, the event featured 123 artists and photographers from Australia and around the world and an excellent program of free exhibitions, talks online and in person, tours, workshops and photo book launches.
You can still catch a few exhibitions:
- Mark Smith, Ugly Beautiful – Arts Project Australia, Collingwood Yards, until 26 June 2022
- Hoda Afshar, Speak the Wind – Monash Gallery of Art, Wheelers Hill, until 26 June 2022
- Helmut Newton, Helmut Newton: In Focus – Jewish Museum of Australia, St Kilda, until 29 January 2023
Enjoy being out and about!