Hi there, who am I speaking with?
Melynda von Wayward, Project Coordinator.
Tell us a bit about how the concept for the exhibition came about.
The inspiration for the research and subsequent website came from my desire to document the contemporary Melbourne punk scene through a vibrant body of photographic work, titled Punk a Photographic Journey: 2004-2007, and on display at this exhibition. The photos have now been turned into a wonderful coffee table book of the same name (on sale at this exhibition).
What’s your personal relationship with punk?
I’ve had a love of punk music and fashion since 1988, when I was 15, and knew from the moment I saw my first mohawk I was in love. The wildness of the image, attitude and music makes punk one of the most exciting subcultures ever to exist. The love has continued to this day.
Is Melbourne punk different to British or American punk? How?
Yes and no. Many of Melbourne’s ‘77 punks were influenced by the new explosion of punk and experimental bands coming form from the UK, USA and Germany. However, Melbourne punks interpreted punk in their own way. The first wave of Melbourne punks were fairly educated, intelligent and from mainly middle class suburbs. There was also a distinctive north and south side of the river division with the St Kilda punks being completely different to the Carlton, North Fitzroy and Clifton Hill crew.
How has Melbourne’s punk scene at this time shaped what the city’s become today?
Today, thanks to the efforts of Melbourne’s punk pioneers, St Kilda has become regarded as one of Australia’s most prominent live music scenes, and Melbourne has become regarded as one of the most important cities in the world to give birth to a unique and vibrant punk subculture.
What are some of the punk artefacts that will be on display?
A great selection of photos from the likes of Jeff Busby, Rennie Ellis, Polly Borland, Joe Holzer and Paul Conroy amongst others, as well as some original clothing and artefacts such as fanzines, posters, handbills, newspaper clippings, records, tapes, badges and other titbits all relating to punk in St Kilda and beyond. We also have a great audio/visual room showing some great punk footage.
PUNK JOURNEY: ST KILDA AND BEYOND is a special exhibition and series of events focussing on the St Kilda punk movement spanning 1977 to 1987. The exhibition runs from Wednesday November 19 to Sunday November 23. Check out brightspace.com.au for more details.
