Australians join incredible global COVID-19 street art movement
Jaw-dropping chalk drawings of everything from Disney character to messages of hope have been popping up across the nation as Australians work to spread joy during these dark times.
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Australia has joined a global movement in covering footpaths with visually jaw-dropping chalk artworks to spread joy as lockdown restrictions start to ease.
Social media has been flooded with images of everything from Disney characters to messages of hope as Aussies flex their inner artist.
Others across the world in the US and UK have also taken to the streets to create incredible and funny chalk drawings
Many say the colourful artworks are a way to keep children entertained, while others believe it promotes community cohesion and provides meaning to their lives.
Cat Romanczukiewicz is among those who have taken part, working with her tattoo-artist husband Chook to brighten up footpaths in her neighbourhood.
Ms Romanczukiewicz, who hails from Bacchus Marsh about an hour north west of Melbourne, said it was a way the couple could give back to the community.
“Chook is a tattooist and has not been able to work. It is important to give something back to people and to give them a moment’s joy especially during these times,” Ms Romanczukiewicz said.
Some of their drawings feature well-known cartoon characters, including Pokemon character Pikachu, and Goku from Dragon Ball Z. And while that might seem novel, there is social commentary behind all of them, with a “rainbow twist”.
She said one piece featuring Disney’s Princess Jasmine and Rick and Morty from the adult Scifi animation of the same name showed how much the world had changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[It] really hit the premise that we are in a whole new world that doesn’t look the same as before, despite some familiar elements,” she said.
She said their displays “gave them a sense of purpose”, and added many parents had used the art to encourage children to get outside and exercise.
Artist Sebastian Smith has been decorating the footpath out the front of his home in Dapto, NSW, much to the delight of local residents.
His vibrant chalk drawings featuring Disney favourites from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin also notched hundreds of likes online.
“It’s very Disney inspired, cause (sic) I think Disney has the magic that makes people feel happy,” Mr Smith wrote on Instagram.
In Howlong near Albury, Josie Taylor and her daughter Tanisha gussied up the streets with geometric patterns featuring heartfelt messages of support to essential workers and the community.
“Thanks to all essential workers,” one read, while others said “love” and “courage”.
And up on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Alina Melbourne showed off a spectacular Peppa Pig, Pokemon and Sonic the Hedgehog mashup.
“This weeks creations for the kiddies,” she captioned a social media post of her work, which received more than 100 likes.
Originally published as Australians join incredible global COVID-19 street art movement