By NOEL MURPHY
BERLIN, Paris, London, San Francisco, Miami … now international street artist Rone’s captivating public art is emerging in his home town at North Geelong’s old powerhouse.
The dilapidated structure, for years the precinct of graffiti artists and a dangerous, rubbish-strewn mess, is changing rapidly as artists including Rone transform its appearance.
Rone, the nom de plume of graphic designer Tyrone Wright, started his career decorating skateboards and skate parks before moving into Melbourne’s inner-city streets and lanes then galleries and exhibitions and overseas.
Last weekend, he took to the skies in a crane outside the old power station, one of dozens of artists putting their skills and talents to work at the new community precinct for graffiti and street artists under the plans of Vintage Warehouse boss Barry Ballis.
Plans for an eight-storey artwork will make for a signature hallmark at the North Geelong site.
Rone’s work, typically of beautiful women, adorns large buildings from Jamaica to Barcelona, New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
One of his most striking works is a nine-storey high mural dubbed L’Inconnue de la Rue – Unknown Girl of the Street – in Collins St, Melbourne.
