MARTHA

3rd of the series
Film screening and discussion
Thursday 27 October, 6pm
Book in person or online at NFSA (<-- click the hyperlink)

Discussion topic: Public art on urban surfaces

The origins of graffiti and street art are commonly traced back to 1970s New York, the decade’s anti-commercialism and its subcultures – and the 2019 film Martha: A Picture Story offers fascinating insights into the genesis of art in urban environments. Such early, subversive expressions of public art included graffiti on the sides of subways, walls and public buildings. While illegal artworks continue to populate urban spaces, there is a trend towards legitimising and celebrating urban artists as promoters of community connection and contemporary placemaking. In many cities, e.g. in Australia, street art has become a very popular form of public art. This evening brings together a range of perspectives – including those of artists who transform streetscapes and neighbourhoods with their artwork, and researchers studying artistic expressions on urban surfaces – to talk about the evolution and change of graffiti and street art over time internationally and in Canberra.

Speakers: Dr Lisa Petheram and Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens