A COLLECTIVE of women from across the region have brought parts of Geelong to life with street art projects dotted around the CBD.
Greater Geelong local Kerrie Poliness, one of 19 participants in the City of Greater Geelong Women’s Street Art Commission Project, repainted a 45m gray wall on Minns Lane.
Viki Murray in front of one of her various artworks (little people).
“The street was a venue for free live concerts hosted by the Piano Bar amid the COVID-19 lockdowns,” Ms Poliness said.
“My artwork considers the laneway as a live venue where the artwork becomes a backdrop for the performance, and the use of the laneway as the main entrance to the club now that the events have returned to the interior.
“As groups of people gather in the alley before entering the club, they listen to music from inside, talk, dance and mingle.
“Like this activity, I wanted the artwork to be vibrant and colorful and bring life to the wall.”
Jasmine Crisp with her artwork at Cuzens Place. Photo: EBONY GULLIVER
Ms. Poliness’s abstract work is inspired by jazz music and a painting technique perfected by sketching at low tide on the back beach between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove for more than two decades.
The $150,000 city-funded project aims to increase the representation of women in street art after the pandemic.
Artwork by Kerrie Poliness at Minns Lane on the side wall of Piano Bar Geelong.
Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the decision to start the project centered around the challenges local artists had faced over the past two years.
“It’s been such a sad time for so many people, so to come out of it with a project focused on colour, pride and creativity is amazing,” Cr Sullivan said.
“Whether you’re sipping wine and cheese on Malop Street, having a picnic in Johnstone Park or catching a show in one of our fabulous theatres, you’ll be able to see loads of unique new artwork from these talented women.”
Street art can be found on Little Malop Street, Little Ryrie Street, James Street, Wright Place, Cuzens Place, Minns Lane and Ryrie Street.