Melbourne agency apologises after painting over Sydney mural

AN AD agency has been forced into an embarrassing U-turn after plastering a Sydney wall with a huge mural of Jennifer Lawrence.

A MELBOURNE advertising agency has been forced to apologise to an entire Sydney suburb after painting an advertisement over a beloved local mural.

Apparition Media posted an apology on Facebook to all those who lived in Sydney’s inner-west suburb of Newtown, saying they’ve been “heard loud and clear” after the company painted an artwork to promote Jennifer Lawrence’s latest movie Mother in the area.

“We managed to get in touch with the original designer/artist and he is a ripping bloke. He told us the history of the mural and what it represents, the company said on Facebook.

“We have expressed our regret for painting over it and apologised for our ignorance. We are going to work together to restore the original mural in the coming weeks.”

So #mothermovie painted over a longstanding mural in Newtown to spruik their movie without approval. Residents are not amused. (via FB) pic.twitter.com/QLcb5OGlYC

— David Olsen (@DDsD) September 5, 2017

The original artwork that was covered up. Picture: Facebook.

The embarrassing blunder came after locals noticed the company had completely covered iconic local work “It’s like a jungle sometimes,” by Colin Bebe with an advertisement for film.

Pictures of the reworked mural containing the #mothermovie hashtag were shown online after being defaced by someone apparently unhappy about the piece of advertising in the street.

The company said it had talked to the original artist, who asked the team finish their mural and make the latest incarnation “another chapter in the story of this mural”.

“In the meantime, he has asked that we finish our mural. He is supportive of what we do and understands that we are a collective of sign writers who employ artists to do what they love doing — we are not a faceless corporate entity,” the company said.

“After we complete the final stage of this mural, we are going to restore the original mural in collaboration with the artist and we have agreed to cover all costs, assist him in painting it and get the story of the mural out there to as many people as we can. We are also going to use this opportunity to raise money for a local charity of the artist’s choice to raise awareness around youth suicide.”

The post attracted international media attention and comments from locals who showed mixed reaction on the issue. Some couldn’t understand why the company, which specialises in handpainted signs, would cover another artists work, while others said the outrage was misguided.

A Newtown local known as Jetta wrote on Instagram: “I was heartbroken when I saw this on the weekend. Thank you for recognising the gravity & seriousness of what you have done. It’s a relief to hear it’s being rectified.”

Another user known as Phil said “this post is definitely the best way to go about righting that mistake. Good on you guys, and props to the original artist for being understanding about it. Can’t wait to see the new mural once it’s done!”

So, they painted over the 'it's a jungle sometimes' mural in bailey st - with an ad. @mayorofnewtown pic.twitter.com/eSh3q1pa5p

— thick1nthemiddle (@thinat1end) September 3, 2017

It didnt have approval. A complaint's been lodged & apparently Apparition Media (who did it) are working w/ original artist to change back

— Andrew Cultural Marx (@AndrewM138) September 5, 2017

Horrible vandalism on my street by Apparition Media and @MotherMovie. https://t.co/6YTYPYxVDy

— James McLeod (@Pepsiman2830) September 5, 2017

The Inner West Council posted on Instagram that it did not approve the advertisement which would be prohibited in a heritage area.

“The matter is now being investigated by Council’s Compliance Section,” it said.

The Apparition team paint a pro-gay marriage mural at Knox Lane in Melbourne. Picture: AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

The team have previously created this artwork for the Batman vs. Superman movie. Picture: Alex Coppel.

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Originally published as Melbourne agency apologises after painting over Sydney mural