"Melbourne, where I grew up, is one of the street art capitals of the world. Something about discovering freshly painted walls always fills me with optimism; it's autonomous and democratic, and reminds me that maybe people are paying attention after all." Penelope Mitchell

Because of the ubiquitous art throughout...

we spent an afternoon...

meandering...

through the laneways...

where new murals pop up overnight.

There have been controversies when the new...

leave only glimpses of the past.

Reaction to current affairs...

reveal political leanings...

and...

other social commentary.

The artists refer to their medium...

as "burnings"...

as their art seems to burn...

off of the wall.

Others give free design... 

to surrounding businesses.

Some businesses...

welcome the art...

and have commissioned... 

work to be done.

We happened upon a few personal photo shoots...

and definitely had our favorites.
 Pig with a crown anyone?  Ha!

Or, maybe a sweet peeking pup?

These laneways take on a whole new personality
 when the surrounding bars open their doors each night,
requiring a whole other post!