Street artist Smug’s huge mural in central Frankston ignites art versus graffiti debate
A GIANT skeleton painted on the side of a building in Frankston has divided opinion, with some saying it will frighten children and just encourage more graffiti.
South East
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A HUGE skeleton painted on the side of a building in central Frankston has ignited debate about art versus graffiti.
The piece, by street artist Smug, was created as part of the inaugural Big Picture Fest to transform drab walls in high profile sites across Frankston CBD.
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An angry resident has fired off a letter to Frankston Council describing the artwork as grotesque and “frightening to children”.
The resident, who would not be named, said: “The image provides absolutely no positives for Frankston other than in the minds of a very few who want to force their so called artistic ideas on others.
“It will signify acceptance for more graffiti and property owners already spend a lot annually having it removed.”
But other people have defended the artwork behind the braaap building, off Park Lane.
While Smug declined to comment on the criticism, supporters in an online post said the piece illustrated “the part of us that makes us all the same”.
Originally from NSW, Smug has worked for years transforming the facades of buildings in Glasgow, Scotland, into works of art.
The expat has gained a reputation in Scotland for creating imagery with photo realism.
Mayor Colin Hampton said feedback council received on the new street art had been “overwhelmingly positive”.
“Thousands of visitors have walked Frankston City streets and laneways to witness the artworks being created and have shared images and videos on social media platforms using the hashtags #thebigpicturefest and #visitfrankston.”
The Big Picture Fest was funded by the Victorian Government and council as part of the Frankston Train Station precinct redevelopment.