ACDC lane: thunder bolted – article in BEAT mag from 2004

ACDC lane: thunder bolted

Friday 5^th November 2004

 

Erecting expensive metal work with a hammer drill, at a height of 12ft in the pouring rain might not be your idea of artistic expression.  But it certainly was for Knifeyard on Tuesday 2^nd November.

On October 1^st this year, the City of Melbourne council renamed Corporation Lane: ACDC lane.  Although there was attempts to have a lightning bolt separator between AC and DC, so as to correctly represent the band’s name, there is no legislation for anything other than letters to be on street signs –and the legislation was not going to be changed.

By 9pm that same evening, courtesy of Knifeyard –a thunderbolt was added, though it did not last long.

So, this time, Knifeyard ensured it would be as solid as possible.  Making a lightning bolt from material used for street signs, Knifeyard created the effect of the thunderbolt separator above and below the ACDC street sign.

Though some would consider this vandalism, Knifeyard sees it more as: “Street level art; something to have a chuckle about. Not a serious art piece, but serving its purpose. The council left a big gap here, and I’m sure they have much more serious concerns to worry about than my sign”.

Knifeyard states: “A couple of years ago, there were only a few stencil artists –now, there are many, competing and brightening up the city.  I don’t think this will inspire others.   But it will hopefully become a focal point for others to brighten up the lane   Show the lane some love. All it is at the moment is an ugly alley that is used to get to bars.  It’d be good to have something to brighten it up, rather than just the dumpsters”.

Maybe Melburnian artists will take up the challenge.

By Mary Boukouvalas