The Victorian government's Flash Forward project has seen 40 amazing new public artworks commissioned across the city's laneways, and we've compiled a quick selection.
Melbourne is famous for its street art and its laneways, and Flash Forward is the biggest laneway rejuvenation project in Melbourne’s history.
Part of a $500 million state government project, Flash Forward has commissioned 40 incredible street artworks from local artists and 40 original musical works by local musicians. We’ve covered many of the impressive musical works in the past, but today we’re focusing on the former, with a gallery spanning 17 of the most breathtaking new artworks across Melbourne’s CBD.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Public artworks that have already been unveiled includes a Little Collins Street mural by practicing fine artist Prue Stevenson that depicts neural networks surrounded by her thoughts; bold pastel paintings inspired by artist Olana Janfa’s Ethiopian culture on Stevenson Lane; Gumbaynggirr woman Aretha Brown’s series of four lightboxes depicting colonialism in Australia down Meyers Place; and a three-metre tall crushed paint can by renowned street artist, Ling, in Wills Street – his second work for Flash Forward.
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DREZ’s chromatic artwork subverts Ulster Lane into an immersive colour experience; a striking mural by multidisciplinary artist Fikaris down Lees Place depicts pandemic workplaces; First Nations artist Jarra Karalinar Steel’s multiplecommissions spread across four laneways collectively celebrating her Boonwurrung / Kulin culture; whilst Melbourne-based Deaf artist, Gonketa’s large-scale linework painting takes over Rainbow Alley.
Other public artworks can be discovered around the city by the likes of George Goodnow (Goodie), PUZLE, GETNUP, Bootleg Comics, MERDA, with more to come from distinctive artists such as Kaff-eine, Celeste Mountjoy (Filthy Ratbag), and further works to be unveiled in the coming months.
In parallel, 40 of Melbourne’s most visceral musicians have recorded original and complete pressed records inspired by the rich history of the city’s laneways, which complement each commissioned artwork. The stellar line-up includes; Emma Donovan & The Putbacks; Screensaver; Mo’Ju; HTRK; Grace Cummings; MY DISCO; Mindy Meng Weng; The Dacios; Bitumen; Dianas; and many more who have released provocative, critically acclaimed records in 2021 and 2022. All pressed records are available to purchase through Heavy Machinery Records.
You can find out more information about the amazing Flash Forward project here.
