SYDNEY’S STREET ART
Ditch the guidebook and follow a paint-splattered path of Sydney’s street art scene
Our trip to Sydney was not about ticking off tourist hotspots, but tracking down vibrant spray-painted stories adorning the city’s underbelly.
Sydney’s vibrant street art scene was our compass, leading us down alleyways and around corners adorned with stories waiting to be unravelled.
Embarking on a treasure hunt, we explored iconic murals by Scott Marsh and hidden gems tucked away. Every corner felt like a canvas waiting to be unveiled, bursting with colour and raw emotion.
Join us on this artistic adventure, where Sydney’s underbelly transforms into a gallery of audacious expression, social commentary, and unexpected beauty.
SPICE ALLEY, kensington street
SPICE ALLEY: A HIDDEN GEM WITH STREET ART AND ASIAN DELIGHTS
Unlike the usual lunchtime rush or the vibrant evening buzz, my encounter with Spice Alley was one met with serene stillness.
We stepped into the laneway as the morning sun was threatening to be a scorcher (it was!!), the red wooden walkway stretched out before me, devoid of its usual throng.
Instead of the enticing aroma of sizzling satay or steaming dumplings, a gentle silence hung in the air. The only sounds were the distant hum of the city waking up and the clinking of dishes coming from within the restaurants preparing for another day of culinary delights.
While the usual vibrant energy was absent, the silence allowed us to appreciate the murals covering the walls all around us in more detail, and admire the colourful lanterns above.
Many of the iconic murals in Spice Alley are by Scott Marsh, renowned Australian artist known for his large-scale, socially charged murals that bridge street art and fine art, garnering international recognition.
This quiet encounter left me wanting to return and experience the full-blown energy, and the promise of exquisite Asian cuisine, but that will have to wait until we next return!
SPICE ALLEY: KEY INFORMATION
- Location: 18-20 Kensington Street, Chippendale, NSW 2008, Australia
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9:30pm
- Friday & Saturday: 11am-10pm
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Collection of vibrant street art, particularly by renowned artist Scott Marsh
- Wide variety of Asian cuisine restaurants
MEAGHER STREET
FROM SANDWICH BOARDS TO STREET ART: EXPLORING THE STORY OF DANNY LIM’S MURAL
In Sydney’s vibrant street art scene, one mural stands out for its poignant story and artistic expression. Scott Marsh’s mural in Meagher Street depicts Danny Lim, a local known for his witty and sometimes controversial sandwich board protests, alongside his loyal dog Smarty.
Lim often protested using unconventional language, which sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the boundaries of humour. While some found his messages offensive, others appreciated his bold approach to social commentary.
A halo was later added above Smarty following his passing.
TEGGS LANE
THE BIN CHICKEN GETS ITS MOMENT IN SCOTT MARSH’S MURAL
Sydney’s iconic ibis, often referred to as the “bin chicken,” finds a new perspective in Scott Marsh’s captivating mural in Teggs Lane. While their scavenging habits might ruffle feathers, these resourceful birds have adapted remarkably to a changing environment.
Driven by the drying up of their natural wetlands, ibises have taken to the urban jungle, rummaging through our overflowing bins for survival. But before we turn up our noses, can we truly blame them for adapting to the circumstances we ourselves created?
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD: A MURAL CELEBRATES NAOMI MAYERS’ LEGACY
Nearby, another iconic mural by Scott Marsh graces Teggs Lane. It portrays Naomi Mayers, her gaze resolute as she reflects on her past achievements and looks towards a bright future.
Mayers was the longest running female CEO in Australia, a founding member of the Aboriginal Medical Service and an original member of the band The Sapphires as a lead vocalist.
“GRAFFITI TUNNEL”, TECHNOLOGY LANE
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S EVER-CHANGING CANVAS: A SPACE FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
Originally part of the student Vietnam war protests, anyone can paint in the Sydney University “graffiti tunnel”, so long as it is not offensive.
Is this where the local artists responsible for some of the iconic mural began their journey!?
MAYS LANE
MAY LANE MURAL: FROM DEMONS TO DAUGHTERS, A STORY OF INSPIRATION
Walking down May Lane, I was drawn to a mural by Peque VRS. My initial thought mirrored an artist depicting their child’s admiration. Research revealed a different story.
Peque VRS originally planned for the mural to feature demons, but he changed them to portraits of his daughters, Layla and Isabela. This change reflected the positive influence they have on his life and his outlook on the world.
WILSON STREET
THE “SKIPPY GIRLS” THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO SKIP WITH JOY
Among Sydney’s vibrant street art scene, the “Skippy Girls” hold a special place in my heart.
Transforming the dull corrugated iron that she lived opposite, Rosemary Strachen took it upon herself to insert some fun into the neighbourhood. With a sock and some paint, the “Skippy Girls” started to appear along the fence from 1997 through to 2007.
Strachen would sit upon her terrace verandah, admiring her girls and observing the difference they made to passerbyers.
Go see them, how do they make you feel!?
READY TO EXPLORE SYDNEY’S ART SCENE?
JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBURG
The murals mentioned above are just a taste of the artistic feast that is Sydney’s street art scene.
Lace up your comfortable shoes and embark on a journey of discovery. Scrutinize every corner, let your eyes wander around unexpected spaces, and prepare to be amazed by the ever-changing canvas that adorns the city’s walls. What hidden gems might you stumble upon?
The ‘Sydney Street Art Scene Route Map’ is the route we took, not only showcasing vibrant street, but also historical sites, such as the Sydney Park brick kilns and chimneys, and 19th century carriageworks in Eveleigh.
Go on, explore – you won’t be disappointed!
recommendationS:
Travelling around Australia? Why not check out some of my blogs on Port Macquarie’s Coastal Walk or Ernest Junction railway tunnel on the Gold Coast.
Reference List:
Montgomery, R (2020) Danny Lim holding pet dog, Smarty [photograph]. Available at Danny Lim (activist) – Wikipedia [accessed February 2023]