Conservation, Preservation, and Restoration - Melbourne Street Art

Curated by Unimelb, 2015

An exploration of the conservation, preservation and restoration of street art surfaces a number of issues in relation to the ephemerality of the art form and the ways in which we can best document it. Each method attempts to prolong the life of the most public and fast-paced form of art, however, the intervention of these techniques does not always lead to the most beneficial results. Through exploring a range of artists and media this tour discusses the ways in which we can best preserve and prolong the life of street art while acknowledging its intent and purposes.

Miso at The National Gallery of Victoria

Traditionally the gallery system and the street art world ran at odds with each other, however, in more recent years a more inclusive environment has formed. This has seen the acquisition of notable Street Artist’s works within large public and…

Alexander Mitchell Paste Up Down Russell Place

Alexander Mitchell’s paste up of hands and a serpent off Russell Place is a beautiful large-scale work that has deteriorated to some degree due to the natural elements. The extensive damage to the piece makes it very difficult to return it to its…

Banksy's Little Diver by Swanston St and Flinders Lane

Famed anonymous street artist Banksy gifted Melbourne the ‘Little Diver’ stencil in 2003. The building owner whose wall Banksy worked upon, was aware of the value of Banksy’s works and paid for a sheet of perspex to conserve the work. To conserve a…

Hosier Lane

Given the great cultural value of street art and recognition of the movement, there has been great discussion in recent years to protect the art produced. In 2008 Australia’s National Trust along with Heritage Victoria suggested listing some of…

Space Invader on the Princes Bridge, St Kilda Rd

One of the most viable means of preserving and documenting street art has been found in photography. Wherever we see street art we often feel the need to photograph it. While in the gallery this is frowned upon as it detracts from engagement with the…