Smug Mural
Huge Smug mural unveiled in Melbourne CBD by Lord Mayor
ANDREW JEFFERSON and SERENA SEYFORT, Herald Sun
June 20, 2016 4:00pm
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.
“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.”
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle unveil a new mural by international street artist Smug. Picture: Tim Carrafa
Natalia Denison from Greensborough said she was open minded on the artwork.
“To be quite honest, it’s not everyone’s taste. But I don’t have an objection to it, it’s not offensive,” she said.
However, Amy Wills from Hawthorn said it would brighten up a dull end of the city.
“I think it’s good, especially at this end of the city,” she said.
“All the apartment buildings look the same, but now this one is unique and adds character.”
Jake Rollins, from Berwick, said he liked it.
“I’ve been watching it since it started a week ago, it’s awesome,” he said.
“It shows true love.”
Smug, an Australian-born, UK-based artist, is widely considered to be one of the best large-scale portrait artists in the world having painted walls up to 15 storeys high.
His best known Melbourne work is the now infamous “bogan mural” located in Brunswick St, Fitzroy.
Citipower commissioned Juddy Roller, a company that represents street artists including Smug, to paint the $25,000 mural.
Smug Mural
Huge Smug mural unveiled in Melbourne CBD by Lord Mayor
ANDREW JEFFERSON and SERENA SEYFORT, Herald Sun
June 20, 2016 4:00pm
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.
“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.”
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle unveil a new mural by international street artist Smug. Picture: Tim Carrafa
Natalia Denison from Greensborough said she was open minded on the artwork.
“To be quite honest, it’s not everyone’s taste. But I don’t have an objection to it, it’s not offensive,” she said.
However, Amy Wills from Hawthorn said it would brighten up a dull end of the city.
“I think it’s good, especially at this end of the city,” she said.
“All the apartment buildings look the same, but now this one is unique and adds character.”
Jake Rollins, from Berwick, said he liked it.
“I’ve been watching it since it started a week ago, it’s awesome,” he said.
“It shows true love.”
Smug, an Australian-born, UK-based artist, is widely considered to be one of the best large-scale portrait artists in the world having painted walls up to 15 storeys high.
His best known Melbourne work is the now infamous “bogan mural” located in Brunswick St, Fitzroy.
Citipower commissioned Juddy Roller, a company that represents street artists including Smug, to paint the $25,000 mural.