Vandals paint bomb iconic alley graffiti art

VANDALS have destroyed an iconic artwork on one of Lismore’s back alleys using what seems to have been white house paint and a roller.

Back Alley Gallery in Eggins Lane in Lismore. Photo Jay Cronan / The Northern Star. Picture: Jay Cronan

VANDALS have destroyed an iconic artwork on one of Lismore's back alleys using what seems to have been white house paint and a roller, leaving the community stunned.

The artwork was painted by internationally-recognised artist Guido Van Helten three years ago and was used as the cover image for Back Alley Gallery and some Lismore promotional campaigns.

Back Alley Gallery project manager Erin Lewis said vandalism was fairly common in the street art business but this time was different.

"We've never seen anything like this in the laneway before ... it's weird," she said.

"It's not uncommon for the local graffiti crew to go through with a spray can, but this has just got a different tone to it because it's a roller and house paint."

Lismore City Council mayor Jenny Dowell called the act "disgusting" and urged anyone with information to contact the police.

"This is probably the most well-known of all the artworks ... it's the one everyone loved," Cr Dowell said.

"It was done by an internationally-known artist and to see it destroyed, it's just disgusting."

Ms Lewis said while she was "bitterly disappointed," the act of vandalism wasn't entirely bad news.

"To get such response from the local community is really reaffirming for us that what we're doing has value, and people appreciate it," she said.

Police said the vandalism occurred some time between August 21 and August 24.