Stop D.

Text

This space takes a step from mostly illegal to commissioned works. Murals and pieces are large and as colourful as they are diverse, with respect shown from other artists by keeping artworks uncontested. Usually the works exist for sometime and are then painted over and replaced by other local and international artists. The space is widely regarded as a street art hot spot, with many visitors each day. Interestingly, the space here is mainly reserved for the large refined pieces, curated in a sense and planned by council and private artists. In a sense limiting the spontaneity we often see in illegal spaces. No longer does this outdoor gallery give birth to a free contest, but nearly takes the form advertisement, leaving behind the raw origins of graffiti culture. With this considered, does this platform of street art presentation begin to suppress the democratic and sporadic art form seen in illegal areas?