Mt Lawley’s Beaufort Street has a rich street art history. As the main vein of Perth’s hipster territory, it has been home to many pop up galleries and improvised installations. The network of ‘night lanes’ running parallel behind the main stretch have also been tagged, bombed, pieced or muralated… and inevitably buffed.
Four years ago The Highgate Laundromarket was a living, breathing urban gallery, open 24 hours, splashed and assaulted with all manner of street art. Yes, it eventually became an eye-sore, but it was a document of the time too. The laneway next to Planet was a similar affair, layered with insignias and the grime of self-expression.
But this November, the Beaufort Street Festival will bring street art back to the masses with an array of amazing community projects. Below is a pick of the best.
TAKE A KNIT
Yarnbombing will hit the big time. Expect the entire stretch of Beaufort to be swathed in yarn and thread and macramé and the like… well, almost. Rumours have it that the festival team have been creating a huge 30 metre install since February.
THE LOCKED CABINET
Seven of Perth’s hottest artists have each been given a freestanding school locker, approximately 6 feet tall. Their brief? To make it into a work of art. The charm? Each locker is locked, and only 500 keys will be distributed on the day. Grab a key and pass it on once you’ve unlocked a locker, which you’ll have to hunt for high and low.
‘I have painted the outside of the locker with words that hint at the images inside, to get people curious for the key,’ explained Perth street artist Creepy of his locker.
‘As for the images inside, you will need to find the key.’
And yes… each cabinet will be for sale via silent auction.
TATTWASH
ololo aren’t afraid of ambition. They made the Condor Carpark Tower into an urban legend. This November, they are putting the call out for cars: they wanna do a live spray on the day. No soaps or bubbles, just aerosol. Swing by Barlee Street Carpark to see it all happen.
And yes… each reconditioned car will be for sale via silent auction.
NEVERNEVER LANE
Let’s go outside and find a secluded, tucked away alleyway and… make it our lounge room. That’s exactly what Harrison St John Kennedy, renowned vintage design team, have done in one of the night lanes running off Beaufort Street. Put your feet up, lie down on the bed, possibly even take your lunch in the dining room. The walls will be adorned with a collage of art from local artists in an attempt to make the biggest paste up Perth has even seen.
There’s more, much more, including Jodee Knowles doing a live paint at The Slaughterblouse, Stormie Mills reinventing his Flying Scotsman giant, and even Sean Morris will be getting his ping pong on. It all happens Saturday November 27. All day. Get on your best walking shoes and charge your camera – this will be an unforgettable display of street art in its many permutations.
www.beaufortstreetfestival.com.au
http://perthstreetart.tumblr.com
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
