STREETSCAPES // perry lane

Paddington is known for boutique shopping, café culture and rows of terrace houses along tree lined streets. Away from the main retail hub and nestled between residences, there are charming alleys that weave through the suburb. In 2016 local residents and shop owners approached Woollahra Council to create a space for public art. Perry Lane was submitted as the laneway since it was used for pedestrian access and could easily be a blank canvas.

The vision for the Perry Lane Art Project was to celebrate culture and creativity that was accessible to the community. Since it began, it has been an engaging platform that encourages artists to create vibrant and eclectic artworks in the space. The art does change but currently it begins with Gill Cameron’s mural ‘Dive in to Relax’. It depicts three swimmers in a serene ocean oasis of geometric shapes, but I particularly like how the swimmer at the top is diving from the building’s down pipe.

Further along are a few pieces that coexist in the same section with ‘Seeing and Being Seen’ from Kim Siew using the alcoves in the building. Kim’s playful and fun characters surround Nadi Odlum’s graphic painting of multicoloured paths with interwoven lines to symbolise two paths. This changing installation gives visitors a visual experience and takes you on a journey beyond the urban location.