Street/Studio: The Place of Street Art in Melbourne

In this amazing new illustrated book and through a series of intimate conversations, Street/Studio offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how street art has entered the mainstream and become one of the most collectable new art forms. It offers an unparalleled insight into the work of Australia’s most influential, dynamic and creative artists living in Melbourne and details how in an increasingly lucrative and commercial industry they traverse between the street, the studio and the gallery space.

With more than 200 full and double page colour spreads Street/Studio explores the diverse range of styles beyond street work. It includes painting, drawing, sculpture, installation and performance art and reveals how these artists have been inspired by Melbourne’s laneways and its supportive vibrant culture. Read about the adventures and the challenges of the street as well as the demands of the studio and gallery outlined by the artists themselves.

The ten artists, Al Stark, Ash Keating, Everfresh, Ghostpatrol, Mic Porter, Miso, Nails, Tai Snaith, Tom Civil, and Twoone are all featured artists at the upcoming National Gallery of Australia exhibition, “Space invaders: Australian street stencils and posters” in October 2010.

An important part of the book is an essay which provides an insight into how the featured artists are integral to the history of Australian street art. Stylishly designed in full colour, Street/Studio is an exceptional book written by artists about artists for anyone interested in contemporary art.

“This art is ephemeral by its nature and needs to be shown in galleries and museums in order to keep the memory of these exceptional artists for generations to come.” Blek le Rat about the authors

Alison Young is a Professor at the University of Melbourne. She is the author of several books as well as numerous articles on the intersections of law, crime and culture. Her research on street art is funded by the Australian Research Council.

Ghostpatrol exhibits both locally and internationally. His work ranges from fine ink drawing, graffiti, commissioned murals and soft sculpture. Ghostpatrol featured alongside Miso in the television documentary “Paper Cuts: The Art of Ghostpatrol and Miso”

Miso works as a street artist, as well as making large scale installations in gallery spaces. She often works with her partner Ghostpatrol and the MF artist collective in Melbourne.”

Timba Smits is a curator, award-winning art director, graphic designer and indie-publisher of the highly-acclaimed Wooden Toy Quarterly. He is also a practicing artist working across various mediums.