Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON
Doesn't this artwork remind you of the famous Pokemons? Remember the pocket monsters that took over the world a few years ago?
This is not really one of them. The image was shot in Hosier Lane, in Melbourne's central business district, about a fortnight ago. It's a narrow thoroughfare dating back to Melbourne's early development, but it has been transformed by urban art into what I call "a street of a million images".
Just when you think you've seen the most striking piece of art, another one forces you to re-evaluate.
If you look really carefully at this image you'll actually notice that this is actually a doorway and you can see a small silvery lock in the dead-centre of my frame. And do you see the lettering that says "CTCV" on the top left?
Interesting story, that .... the graffiti actually says "Sod CTCV". Well, okay, so it doesn't really say "Sod"; it uses a four-letter synonym. And whoever scrawled the message must have meant to write "CCTV" for closed-circuit television, instead.
For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.
My teens were in elementary school during the pokemon rage. I rememeber it well.
ReplyDeleteCool shots David.
Remember them! They are still daily visitors at my house. My kids watch them, collect them, and draw new ones constantly.
ReplyDeleteI do like door art, but I prefer it without the foul language. The gruesome images remind me of fearsome baby tenders, and the wild-eyed protective deities of Asia. Beware all ye who enter here!
It's true. Pokemon is here to stay.
ReplyDeleteI love the intricacies of street art.
Glad I'm old enough to have missed that craze...
ReplyDeleteMy younger son was just on the outer edge of the Pokemon rage.. there were a few cards and not much more. Great, colourful shot.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Pokemon Hell for a while...but someone came along and gave the boys brains and we're all over that now! This fellow looks as though he may have fallen from the moon...hence the craters that dot his rather rotund body. Perhaps if her were green he could claim to be The Man In the Moon?
ReplyDeleteSandi
We have a lot of this kind of thing near to where I live. One area has been designated just for graffiti artwork.
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the better ones, I think!
I wonder if you have heard of Banksy (a Bristol graffiti artist), who has taken over Bristol Museum for three months? His work is worth thousands now!
Anyway, enjoyed the Australian equivalent! Much the same, Nation wide!
My encounter with pokemon was rather distant as my girls are a bit more grown up, and they aren't boys anyways.
ReplyDeleteI had to really narrow my eyes to find 'CTCV' but I did. Mr Roundface took away most my attention. Reminds me a bit of Godess Durga famous in Kolkotta and worshipped mostly by Bongs. Any memories David ?
PS: Many thanks for visiting my post and leaving a great comment. I am more than happy to be back in the Blogworld. Thank you.
Think it more looked like the Hindu Temples covered with all strange figures to protect the inner deities
ReplyDeleteI try not to poke a man. Could be dangerous.
ReplyDeleteThat stinking Pokemon rage is STILL here :-( My oldest went through it and now over a decade later, it's in my house again. It's wrong. Just wrong. I do LOVE the graffiti art though-- there are some talented people running around with spray paint.
ReplyDeleteHAH! My word very is "enstride".
what an unusual looking creature...looks like a suction cup thingie ;)
ReplyDeleteAs further proof of my ignorance of pop culture, I didn't (don't) see the resemblance because I had (have) no idea what a Pokemon looks like.
ReplyDeleteI do however have a certain fondness for "tag art", and this one is quite well done. I know someone who would totally love this street.
I would totally love that street. Absolutely. Graffiti in recent years has taken on a cartoon style that I like but less than I like the more abstract forms that preceded this wave. Graffiti that is good transforms space into a dream. This is wonderful, David.
ReplyDeleteYes, looks like Pokemon graffiti. I wonder what power he has.
ReplyDeleteThe lock seems superfluous, what with all that Pokemonium standing between one and what's on the other side. Dare we imagine?
ReplyDelete:-D
I love graffiti, urban art. there are amazing works everywhere, it's great that you took this shot. and yes, pokemon was serious business for my kids!
ReplyDeleteQuite a graffito!
ReplyDeleteA bit scary.
am i glad the bean's outgrown pokemon... but the door is outstanding!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks a bit like Slimer, the cute ghost out of the Ghostbusters films.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a Pokemon, which I thought was what you were asking when I saw the title, I'd be Pikachu, the cute little yellow one...
We have the Tweenies painted in our attic, a child of the previous occupant must have liked them. personally I think it would give me nightmares and I keep on meaning to paint over them, but it's a shame as they really are very well painted. I'll do it when I have to...
I find graffiti to be so intriguing. I love the color in this piece of art. And I do remember the Pokemon stage...unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI love graffiti art. As opposed to tagging it makes the city look great.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a graffiti ad for a dentist .. look at those choppers .. maybe I am projecting as I have a tooth ache and am waiting on the dentist to return my call.
ReplyDelete