Summary

An author shares their personal experience exploring Melbourne's vibrant street art scene using self-guided tours and maps, capturing the ever-changing nature of the city's murals through a photo story.

Abstract

The article recounts the author's journey through the streets of Melbourne, a city renowned for its art and coffee culture. The author, who took all the photos featured, discovered a wealth of street art, transforming ordinary walls into canvases of expression. Guided by maps and a desire to see it all, the author navigated through the inclement weather, capturing images of various murals, including those of Julian Assange and a grungy AC/DC lane. Despite the challenge of finding every piece listed on the maps, the author was captivated by the dynamic and evolving nature of the street art, which seemed to change before their eyes. The experience led to a deeper appreciation for the city's living art scene, prompting the author to plan a return visit to document further transformations.

Opinions

The author was impressed by the ubiquity and quality of street art in Melbourne, considering it a capital of art alongside its coffee reputation.
The use of street art maps was instrumental in guiding the author's exploration, though the actual art pieces often differed from the maps due to the ever-changing nature of street art.
The author notes the grungy evolution of the art as they ventured further into the city, suggesting a diverse range of styles and messages within the street art community.
Inclement weather, a typical Melbourne winter, added a layer of challenge to the exploration but also provided the benefit of fewer tourists and a more intimate experience with the art.
The author expresses a sense of wonder and discovery at the transformation of the urban landscape through street art, acknowledging it as a living organism that is constantly changing and evolving.
There is an intention to revisit the city's street art scene in better weather to continue the exploration and documentation of the evolving murals.

Melbourne Street Art: My Self-Guided Tour

A photo story

The topless mural of Kim Kardashian and model Em Ratajkowski by Lushsux

All photos were taken by the author.

Melbourne is a capital of art and coffee. Did you know? I didn’t, but Melbourne fixed it as soon as I got off the train.

Each time I went outside, I discovered hidden gems literally everywhere. Every wall without a window must be covered with street art.

At some point, I decided to use a street art map to avoid missing any significant art.

I used two maps: the first and the second.

And a train, of course. Everyone uses trains in this city.

It was blustery and rainy—typical winter in Melbourne. I had to move fast before another shower caught me. There was one good thing about this weather: not too many tourists, but still enough beggars.

My first stop was Flinders Way, with the Julian Assange mural and other people I had no idea about.

I then continued to the famous AC/DC lane to witness some more.

The further I went, the grungier the street art became.

To my surprise, the murals there were different from what the maps had described. Street art is a living organism that is constantly changing and evolving.

This mural seemed to appear on top of another one, so I had no idea what was hidden behind it.

I couldn’t find a couple of murals shown on the maps, and it felt impossible to discover everything in a city like Melbourne. Besides, a shower finally made me stop right next to this superhero-looking guy.

I should probably come back when the weather is better and explore some more. This street art is going to change. I’ll check it out and let you know.

Darren Weir inspired me to write this by describing Toronto’s Graffiti Alley:

Toronto’s Graffiti Alley Gets Its Street Cred

Is this the Renaissance of graffiti and street art

medium.com

Adrienne Beaumont shows amazing street art in Morocco:

I Became Interested in Street Art Through My Daughter

Now I look for it wherever I travel

medium.com

Here’s my first impression of Melbourne:

This is Melbourne, Mate: 8 Surprising Things about This Place

Melbourne at a first glance

medium.com