Byron Bay is abuzz with the whispers of POPPED – the exciting new arts project and laneway-activation event coming to Surf Alley on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May.
Starting this Friday, a team of Byron Bay’s most talented street artists will transform Surf Alley. Popped artists Jeremy Austin, Austin Moncrieff and Daven Mac aka Teazer spoke with Seven.
How did you find your way into street art?
Davey: I was a little ratbag when I was a kid, and was fascinated with graffiti tagging, so I started scribbling my name too, and then eventually got good at it!
Austin: For me it’s been a process. I’ve been aspiring toward street art for at least 15 years. As I work as graphic designer my work has almost become adjusted to more of a street style you could say. It’s only in the past six years that I’ve decided to take it there.
What influences your work?
Austin: This constantly changes for me; the characters I paint are always changing, although you would see a particular stencil of a flower or effect that is quiet recognisable in my work.
Jeremy: Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, but mostly coffee.
What are the common misconceptions about your art?
Davey: That’s it’s free to be exploited for ‘some great exposure’.
Austin: Is that like a BAnKSY?
What have you got planned for Surf Alley?
Davey: To contribute with the crew and do my best work to date. Authentic Byron Bay vibrations.
Austin: Something completely different, not like anything I’ve painted before, although you will still find my recognisable style used with icons and effects.
Jeremy: A giant octopus created from mad colours, lines and shapes that is going to just pop.
What impact will Popped have on Byron do you think?
Davey: Popped has so much fresh energy and ideas and they support local artisans and business, so I feel excited to see how they can activate these spaces and spread the love.
Austin: The first of many, I hope. I believe this is a movement of effect caused through change; change is something we need on a constant basis, otherwise things become stagnant.
Jeremy: Using this alley as a canvas in collaboration with Nitsua, Burg, Basix, Smick and Teazer is going create a conversation within the community about how awesome locals smash this stuff along with the amazing crew, who have gone above and beyond to get us this far with the mural organisation as well as the Laneway Activation launch party. This is just the beginning for Popped Creative.
Opening Friday 19 May 5–11pm with a live art and DJ event, the Live Ideas Program on Saturday 20 May 12–3pm, with a closing party that night from 5pm. Tickets are $10 each per person per session, and can be purchased via www.poppedcreative.com or at the door.
For an additional $5, ticket-holders can purchase a return bus ride, thanks to GO BYRON, from outer suburbs Lennox Head, Bangalow, Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby. Limited seats available.
