18 October 2011
The paintings on the wall
An overgrown, unkempt car space in North Melbourne has become the setting for two vibrant, contemporary murals, thanks to a new city safety project.
RMIT graduates worked alongside current students on the project.
Related links
Related stories
- National treasure wins prestigious jewellery prize 17/05/2013
- Pop-up shop to prop up young entrepreneurs 06/05/2013
- It's Melbourne, but not as we know it 26/04/2013
- Skypetrait draws Australia and Germany together 05/04/2013
- Laneways are switched on 20/03/2013
- Acclaimed alumnus back to artistic roots at RMIT 18/03/2013
Part of a joint partnership between City of Melbourne and RMIT University's School of Art, the murals at Curzon Place were officially launched on 20 September.
RMIT graduates Rowena Martinich and Clare McCracken, along with public artist Aslam Akram, were selected to work and mentor current RMIT students who are studying the University's new public art elective within the Diploma of Visual Art.
Belinda Wilson, Program Manager, School of Art - TAFE, said the project has been a great opportunity for all involved.
"Having our graduates work with our current students shows what kind of work is available post-graduation," Ms Wilson said.
"This has been an exciting project for everyone involved, especially being part of an art project that helps a community."
The project aimed to research and create new knowledge in the area of community safety through arts-based practice in public space.
The murals reference the text-based patterning evident in Errol Street's Lithuanian club, a significant part of the North Melbourne community.
The abstract expressionist influence and colour scheme were drawn directly from students' contributions, as part of a hands-on approach ensuring students gained real on-the-job industry experience during the project.
The mural references the patterning of the nearby Lithuanian club.
