Huge Smug mural unveiled in Melbourne CBD by Lord Mayor
Written for the Herald Sun. View original article.
AFTER revealing he wants to see more art and less noisy buskers in the Melbourne CBD, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has unveiled the city’s latest masterpiece. Cr Doyle today officially launched the four-storey mural on the wall of the former power station on the corner of Lonsdale and Spencer streets, which closed in 1982. One of its chimney stacks, later dismantled in 2007, became a Melbourne icon after a man was arrested in 2003 for painting the slogan ‘No jobs on a dead planet’ down it. The huge mural, depicting internationally renowned street artist’s Smug’s elderly grandparents, will be one of the largest and most high profile artworks in the city. Cr Doyle said he was already a fan despite the striking artwork receiving a mixed reaction from passers-by. “I think it’s a remarkable artwork, it’s photorealism which is a bit unusual in street art,” Cr Doyle.
Picture: Tim Carrafa
“It’s a very large-scale work but it’s not one that’s hidden away in some of our famous laneways. “This one is out loud and proud. “We’re very pleased to have an Australian-world artist to complete this work and it’s a very interesting topic too. “It really speaks about the contribution that older Melburnians and Australians have made to our community. “It’s a wonderful addition to one of the most vibrant street art cultures in the world.”
