If theres one thing the people of Melbourne know how to do, its get creative.
Following recent vehicle-based attacks in the UK and France, 200 concrete bollards have been installed around Melbournes city center in the past week.The temporary security measure is one of many precautions the city has introduced to prevent a similar attack.However, theres one thing everyone can agree on. They are ugly.
Taking things into their own hands, Melburnians have united to transform the gray blocks into yes, #bollart.
a couple of the original #bollardbandit's pieces gone, but a few have popped up in their place at sthn cross#bollards #melbourne #bollart pic.twitter.com/bGz8AVaKZL
Hannah Francis (@han_francisco) July 3, 2017
Covered with bright fabric, knitted wool, glitter, confetti and paint, ordinary Australians are taking it in their stride to brighten the city- one concrete block at a time. The innovative response has attracted a strong social media following, catching the eye of politicians and council officials.
A new painted bollard on bourke st#bollards #melbourne #bollart pic.twitter.com/lUCaWHlEAS
Hannah Francis (@han_francisco) July 3, 2017
Latest Rubik's cube inspired Melbourne #BollArt installed courtesy of my wife and daughter. pic.twitter.com/gxlIfKACxk
Peter Neish (@peterneish) July 6, 2017
How fantastic is the #bollart movement? Turning ugly concrete blocks into something beautiful to brighten the streets. Beauty with function!
Michelle Nicolson (@shell_nicolson) July 5, 2017
#bollards #melbourne #bollart at bourke st mall pic.twitter.com/hmgJkJcTHh
Hannah Francis (@han_francisco) July 6, 2017
Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle has voiced his support for the growing trend. Im a fan of anything that brightens up the city, adding that he probably wouldnt hire them to decorate his house.
I think its very beautiful that this spontaneous form of art has happened without anybody being able to control it said Christopher Marshall, Associate Professor of Art at the University of Melbourne.
With many blank bollards still strategically placed around the city, expect to see more funky designs and glitter in the coming weeks.
(brl/red)
