Rob Harle |
by Robert Maddox_Harle (aka Rob Harle)
The quality and variety of street art and
graffiti in Lismore is literally awe
inspiring. There is so much art to share with you I’ve decided to present it in
a two part article.
I have
given the works simple titles myself for ease of identification and discussion
only, these were not given by the artists.
Image 1 Where Everything Started. Back Alley
Lismore is a regional country city in
north-eastern NSW Australia, I recently moved from the hills of Nimbin into
Lismore to live. We are close to the coast, the eastern most point in
Australia, and to the (in)famous Byron Bay. Lismore is the health/medical
centre of the northern rivers area, has a good university, (Southern Cross
University), the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, a TAFE College (with excellent
art courses) and a new Regional Art Gallery. Lismore is becoming famous for its
avant-garde caf├йs, Eat The Street
food festival, and also is a vibrant centre for
the Tropical Fruits (a LGBTQ
advocacy group). Little wonder it is home to a huge number of artists,
craftspeople and musicians.
Image 2 Defiant. Back Alley
Many of
the images shown here are in the so-called Back Alley Gallery of Lismore CBD. This
amazing project started as a liaison between local artists and businesses and
in the words of our Mayor Isaac Smith, “the back alley
gallery grew organically from local artists and business collaboration. It has
really encouraged other work in town which is great”. An example of that out-growth, Image
4, is a work painted on the wall of the local indigenous Bundjalung peoples’
newspaper office.
Image 4 Bundjalung
Another
example is Image 5, this huge artwork
adorns the north wall of the Lismore Library, looking out into the “Quad”
towards the Regional Gallery. Image 6
is a small portion of the 60 metre long mural which leads to the gallery beside
the car park.
Image 5 Seated Man
Image 7 John K. Back Alley
Many of
the artworks, especially those in the Back Alleys, carry a message, generally
concerned with eradicating racism, building bridges instead of walls, equality
for ALL people, and getting art off gallery walls and bringing it to the public
as part of their daily experience. A few graffiti artists are bitter and hate
most things about modern society, so have no respect for public structures or
others and deface these with their generally inferior ego-centric personal
signature logos, none of these are shown here. It is a credit to local Council
to encourage and support, the mainly young artists in projects like the Back
Alley Gallery. An example of young activism is in Image 11. Some of the artworks simply portray beauty and love Image 12 is an astonishingly beautiful
work, and quite overwhelming with its size and emotional content. More amazing works in Part Two, next edition
of Setu.
Image 11 Fight For Your Right and Image 2 Defiant. Back Alley
Amazing Street Art! Enjoyed Reading! Thanks to Rob for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is just intriguing! Loved each art work . Waiting for the next ! Thanks a ton for sharing these Rob !
ReplyDeleteThe Holding Hands one made me feel so fuzzy. Beautiful!Love that expression in the child's face .
ReplyDeleteThanks Gopal, it really is astonishing art :-)Rob
ReplyDeleteThanks Santosh, Holding hands image is truly astonishing :-)
ReplyDelete