Surry Hills Laneway Art

Walking home tonight, I stumbled upon some hidden gems: “laneway art” tucked away at the back of my apartment building. It’s a rare find these days; ever since the City of Sydney increased their council pickups, our laneway has been often free of “discarded” items.

At first glance in the dark, the art didn’t particularly grab my attention. As an art collector, I’m surrounded by pieces worth a considerable amount, so my standards are admittedly high. But something about these works intrigued me. Their raw, authentic style was refreshing, and the absence of signatures suggested they were discarded by the artist themselves.

The first piece I couldn’t resist was the woman with the dog.
Five minutes later, I found myself back downstairs, drawn to the piece featuring cows and tractors.

Who knows? Maybe I’ve found some art in the backway worth thousands of dollars? Or maybe they’re just some lovely leftovers from people, like me, with a passion for art?

Surprisingly, these unexpected additions complement the “professional art” on my walls. They add a touch of whimsy and personality, prompting me to reconsider my current arrangement. Perhaps it’s time for a change. That’s the beauty of collecting art; the ability to focus on different pieces and rearrange them as your mood or tastes evolve.


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The Limb Shift (podcast)

James O'Brien

Pic by David Cubbin, The Light Room, Surry Hills
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