16 of Geelong’s insanely cool street artworks
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17.09.2020

16 of Geelong’s insanely cool street artworks

Words by Tehya Nicholas

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.

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Pakington Street captured by @jillian.isabel ♾ w h i l e ℹ ws out strolling 🏤___🚶🏼‍♀️ there was a ery E L E G A N T Lady ahead Artist: @jonydee80 : @jillian.isabel _____________________________________________ Tag us with your best shots, videos or shoutouts #aguidetogeelong ____________________________________________ Feature your business on @a_guide_to_geelong Send us a Direct Message to find out more or email [email protected] ____________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . #mygeelong #yourhappyspace #covid_19 #socialdistancing #geelongbusiness #supportgeelongbellarine #openforgeelong #geelongwest #pakingtonstreet #pakost #streetart #streetartgeelong #geelongstreetart #jonydee #jonydee80

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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.

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@lushsux

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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.

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My Victoria #babyguerilla #geelongstreetart

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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.

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𝐎𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟎 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 #𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠. • This is where Hubby and I started our 3-day road trip along the glorious Great Ocean Road, a popular route that could be done in one day even. Geelong is situated about an hour south from Melbourne which was an amazing street art destination (scroll back to day 4 to see those photos). • After our 24-hour long flight from the UK we landed in Melbourne and took the train straight to Geelong. We figured we wanted to start our visit in Australia in the outdoors rather than in the city so spent one jet lagged day in Geelong. And I’m really glad we did so actually as it was much nicer staying in quiet Geelong rather than in a big city whilst feeling like a zombie. • Not expecting to find any street art there, I was surprised to find some great artworks in Geelong. And I even discovered Geelong is the birthplace of RONE, one of my favourite street artists ever! I posted a fantastic mural by him in Christchurch on day 3 if you want to see. • Artists whose Insta accounts I could find are tagged in the photos. • • • #mural #muralart #graffiti #graffitiphotography #dutchblogger #streetartphotography #streetarteverywhere #travelblogger #streetartblogger#reisblogger #misstravelclogs #artiseverywhere #streetartphoto #ukblogger #scottjensen #shoey #shoeyart #kinyobidesigns #lauraalice #minnsstreetgeelong #geelong #geelongstreetart #geelongart #geelongaustralia #schmikey #greatoceanroad @cityofgreatergeelong

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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.

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The signage is completed….

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