Move over Berlin Wall, Geelong’s bringing their A-game to street art.
The glory and the pain of street art is its impermanence. Sneeze and you just might miss the latest Rone to adorn a once-barren silo. But while the art galleries are closed, there’s never been a better time to head to the streets to catch the latest piece. Geelong is a treasure trove of unique and vibrant street art, so here is a non-exhaustive list of some stellar works you can see right now.
To The Unknown Mariner
Artist: Cam Scale
Location: Brougham St, Eastern side of the former Port of Authority building
Let’s kick off with Geelong’s most famous mural. This 60ft stunner is a tribute to Geelong’s rich maritime history, featuring the weathered face of an old seaman. You can’t help but feel inspired gazing up at this one.
Nude Selfies
Artist: Lushsux
Location: Geelong Powerhouse Building
Certainly the most controversial street art to don the outside of the Powerhouse Building, these two portraits showcase some full-frontal nudity sure to make you grin. Lushsux loves to stir the pot, and it’s pretty sick to see his work out in the real world, not just on the gram.
Moi-Yo Miler
Artist: Michael Casser
Location: Corner of James Street and Minns Lane
This giant piece pays homage to Geelong-born Moi-Yo Miller, who was considered the most beautiful woman in Australia in the 1930’s when she travelled the world as the Great Magician Dante’s assistant. The mural captures her elegance and reminds us of an era full of glamour and magic.
Untitled
Artist: Jonydee
Location: Pakington Street
Jonydee may just be one of Geelong’s most prolific street artists. His work pops up all over the place, with his trademark colourful aesthetic. This piece, with her bold and elegant stare, is sure to capture everyone’s attention.
The Powerhouse Building, Geelong
Location: 40 Mackey Street
Okay so, this isn’t just one piece of street art – this is a loooot. The Powerhouse is one the largest street art sites in the world. It features an ever-changing display of work from local and international graffiti artists, so you’ll never get bored. It’s closed to the public during lockdown, but it needed a special mention. Hustle down when you get the chance.
Jay Z and Beyonce Mural
Artist: Danielle Weber
Location: 12-14 Union Street
Well-known for her incredibly lifelike paintings and murals of celebrities, Danielle Weber has been making waves in the Melbourne art scene for some time now. This mural dedicated to the Queen and King of pop-culture stands proud over Geelong and it just feels right.
Kobe Bryant, Tupac and Paul Walker
Artist: Lushsux
Location: The Deck Hotel, 2-4 Gheringhap Street
When Kobe Bryant passed away earlier this year, it seemed no words could contain the world’s grief. There’s something especially touching about Lushsux’s mural, which shows Bryant being welcomed by fellow legends Tupac and Paul Walker.
Unknown
Artist: Kirsten Walsh
Location: Bakers Delight, Geelong West, Corner of Weller Street and Pakington Street.
This bright, vibrant piece is dedicated to all the boss-ass cancer survivors out there. It aims to raise awareness to the disease while bringing a smile to locals dial. Conveniently placed next to the bakery so you can eat your Vegemite scroll and admire the art. The perfect day.
King Billy
Artist: Cam Scale
Location: Denny’s Place
Cam Scale strikes again with this iconic piece of King Billy who is believed to be the last of the local Wathaurong people. He fought for his right to live on the land of his people, and now is immortalised watching over this unceded land.
Chrissy Amphlett
Artist: Glen Smith
Location: Denny’s Place
Underneath King Billy sits the iconic Geelong-bred singer-songwriter Chrissy Amphlett, who fronted the band Divinyls. The laneway celebrates homegrown talent and is definitely not to be missed on your travels.
Portrait of Alfred Deakin
Artists: Jack Herd and Glen Smith
Location: Deakin University Waterfront Campus
You don’t need to be a university student to appreciate this guy. Perfectly placed underneath a brick archway, this striking portrait is unbelievably detailed. As you gaze at him, he gazes back as if to say, “knowledge is power.” Haunting. Beautiful.
Mother and Child
Artist: Baby Guerrilla
Location: Corner of Separation and Tallinn Street
This powerful paste-up tells the story of a migrant experience journeying to our region. Baby Guerrilla’s work features all across Victoria, and this large-scale work is sure to make you think.
Chrissy Amphlett mural
Artist: Ian Lowe
Location: McLartys Place
What can we say, Geelongites love Chrissy. This two-storey mural honours the homegrown talent in an epic fashion.
Mountain Girl
Artist: Laura Alice
Location: John Street, side of James Street Gallery (formerly Karingal Gallery)
This pretty little lady just makes you want to smile. She is a well-known and loved feature of the Geelong street art scene. A must-see.
3D Wall Art Wave Mural
Artist: Scott Jansen
Location: Brougham Street, back wall of the Novatel hotel building
Cowabunga dude! This painted 3D wave is the perfect photo opportunity for wannabe wave-riders. No sharks, no problems.
Michael Hutchence
Artist: Bruce Kirby
Location: 1 Gore Place
It’s endearing to see one of Australia’s most beloved musician on the street. The face, the hair, the sex-appeal – it’s all there in Kirby’s detailed painting donning the outside of his gallery. Make sure you take a picture, it’ll last longer.
