To be honest, I had no clue what to write for this week’s Live and Learn theme from Tina. I was drawing a complete blank. Then Sarah from Travel With Me suggested, “Why not talk about the murals you often post?” And I thought—yeah, why not? I always seem to find myself stopping for street art wherever I go.
It’s something I naturally love capturing—bright colours, bold messages, or just something quirky tucked down a side alley. And come to think of it, a lot of these murals do say something about living and learning. Whether it’s someone expressing a personal story, sharing a lesson, or responding to what’s happening in the world—there’s often more than just paint on the wall.
So here it is—my take on Live and Learn, through the walls I’ve wandered past in Melbourne and the stories they’ve quietly told.
Let me start with this stunning mural in Albion Alley in Melbourne CBD. Adnate’s work always stops me in my tracks but this one in particular made me reflect because it is so full of heart and is really very special. This is part of the Melbourne Zero project which says: Imagine, by 2030, a Melbourne where no one sleeps on the streets. It is such a powerful reminder that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Across Melbourne, street artists have used walls as their voice—sharing political views, honouring everyday heroes, and making sense of the chaos during the COVID crisis. One powerful piece by Brigitte Dawson and Melissa Turner of Melbourne’s Murals shows a healthcare worker in the pose of Atlas, holding up the world—strong, steady, and deeply human. It honoured the dedication of healthcare workers and first responders who risked their own lives each day to keep our communities safe.
Another heartfelt work by Melissa Turner in Black Rock, Melbourne, captures the true Aussie spirit—native animals rescued during the devastating 2020 bushfires, lovingly painted as a tribute to resilience and compassion.
This mural by JAMI, a street artist and muralist based in Hobart, Tasmania, features his daughter Mia peering into a glowing portal—a recurring symbol in his work, representing possibility, potential, and the idea that something meaningful can emerge from nothing.
In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, Yarra Council commissioned a powerful mural by emerging artist Ky-ya Nicholson-Ward, a proud Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Nguarai Illam-Wurrung woman. Installed in Peel Street Park, Collingwood, the work highlights Aboriginal identity, the area’s cultural significance, and the ongoing impacts of racism and systemic injustice faced by First Nations peoples.
Back in March 2017, Libre Hem spent three days creating this mural at The Mill in Castlemaine. It’s a tribute to the workers of the old Woollen Mill, showing the hands that spun wool into beautiful textiles. From its beginnings in 1875 to its final days as Victoria Carpets in 2013, the site has a rich history—and now it’s being reimagined as a lively space for food, creativity, and local makers.
This was a piece by British-born artist Hayley Welsh, once found on a street corner in Fitzroy North – now sadly gone, along with the small gallery next to it. Hayley is known for her whimsical street art featuring fluffy, wide-eyed creatures.
We are one, but we are many And from all the lands on earth we come We’ll share a dream and sing with one voice
I am, you are, we are Australian” – lyrics for I am Australian
It’s about unity, diversity, and belonging—no matter where you’re from, you’re part of something bigger.
The murals from Melbourne are so good Teresa. Thanks for sharing 😀
My pleasure Brian.
What a great post. Street art often has heartfelt and important messages to convey, and we don’t always ‘read’ them.
They are not taken seriously, but sometimes people should. Thanks Margaret.
I’m so pleased to have given you this idea as you’ve come up with a fantastic post! Not only is all this street art incredibly good, but you’ve told us so much about the stories behind the pieces and the artists. Any of us can go looking for good street art but not all of us bother to research the thinking behind the work and the messages the artist is conveying. I can’t pick out favourites today, they are all great in their own right. OK, maybe that first one, the one by JAMI and those hands on the old mill …
I don’t know what got me into this but I get excited when I see it on the wall, especially the artistic ones (but not the graffiti types). Which leads me to do some research. Thanks again Sarah.
It is a perfect take on the prompt for you. I especially enjoyed the mural by JAMI.
Thanks my dear. That specific mural is huge.
beautiful artwork – it certainly livens up a neighborhood… and the messages are uplifting, too.
That is what made me do this post… the timely messages. Thanks Clay.
Beautiful art.
Thanks for stopping by.
I must admit I’ve never thought of murals as a way to learn but these are great examples that they can be! Beautiful art beautifully captured.
Thanks so much Tina. Everybody’s so good with photographic styles and learnings that it’s hard to
write about something new. So maybe this one is a bit different but maybe strange for some.
There are some very talented artists out there!!
Definitely.
Fabulous murals and I like the stories behind them. It’s hard to pick a favourite but I think the last one – Hayley Welsh is from a town just 11 miles from me and I photographed some of her murals several years ago when I started looking for street art. I love her whimsical creatures and you can find a couple of hers here and the following post –
https://mousehouselife.wordpress.com/2019/08/12/in-search-of-blackburns-street-art/
Thanks for the share Eunice. Some may find it strange but you and me both love taking photos of murals. Thanks for the link.
Wow those Hayley Welsh’s street art is amazing. And you have gathered quite a collection here. Happy to see all of them.
Great gallery of fabulous murals! Thank you for the stories!
My pleasure A-C.
Looking for murals in cities is an adventure in itself. I admire the art scene in Melbourne, hope to go back someday to see these with my own eyes.
It would be good if you can come here. The Streetart scene here is wonderful.