One Sunday, while we were dog sitting, we decided to go on an adventure to the inner western suburbs of Sydney looking for interesting street art. We weren’t disappointed.
Bushfire smoke hung particularly thick in the air on this day and it definitely influenced the tonal range of these images but they are still worth sharing.
St Peters
Not far from the St Peters train station, tucked away from the hustle of traffic, is an explosion of colour and creativity. May Lane has so many pieces competing for your attention, it’s easy to miss things.
For a moment, the smell of paint overpowered the smell of smoke as we passed several people spraying the walls of Caroline Lane.
Newtown
Our wandering was strategic only in the sense that we wanted to end up at the Newtown train station. There were many back alleys and side streets to explore along the way and I know we missed a lot of the art. That just gives me another reason to go back one day (like I’ve ever actually needed a reason to go back to Sydney).
I just can’t seem to pass up the opportunity to wander the streets looking for eye-catching art so be prepared for a few more as we continued to explore.
Wow Jenn, loved it all especially the hooded figure and apt building with the massive paintings all along the lower walls – you always find such gems. Thanks AT
Thank you. It always amazes me the effort put into these larger pieces, knowing they are temporary. I guess that’s all part of the culture of this particular medium.
There is an appealing edginess to street art, and the anonymity of the artists…Although you captured a couple fellows at work. Some are imaginative, very well done….others, well… not so much. As always, love your photos! Heather
This street art walk, more than most, made me think about the difference between art and graffiti. I am drawn to the art that is created for others to enjoy rather than the pieces that make the statement “I was here”. I just couldn’t articulate that well enough. When I started to research it all – it turns out there is a whole culture, subculture, vocabulary and identity associated with this. I was afraid of offending someone with my lack of knowledge on the subject so I simply stuck with what appeals to me. I find it quite interesting that I can actually recognize some of the artists now – the ones that do the sanctioned mural styles anyway. It draws me in and makes me more curious, and that is never a bad thing.
I really enjoyed this post Jenn. I, too, am drawn to street art, especially the murals and smaller pieces done for the enjoyment of others as well. It is one of the things I enjoyed most when visiting Lisbon as well. Kenz and I walked the streets for hours just looking at the art. It amazes me that someone could invest that kind of time and heart into something so fleeting that they have no “control” over, for lack of a better word. I look forward to seeing more.