They’re heavy, they’re square, they’re everywhere, and they’re bringing colour, humour and life to our city streets. When the Victorian Government installed hundreds of cement safety bollards in key locations across Melbourne last month, we should’ve known that it was only a matter of time before artists and activists would work their magic on them, taking what are solemn reminders of the threat of terrorism (and of the Bourke Street massacre) and transforming them into forms of creative and political expression.
It began with artist David Gray covering a single bollard in striped colourful fabric, in response to his concern that they would be claimed by advertisers. Soon, artists like stencil street art duo Cit Cat began leaving their mark. And when Cit Cat claimed that Victoria Police threatened to arrest them if they didn’t give them their names, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle stepped in with support for Melbourne’s boll-artists, telling The Age that the bollards are “fair game for street artists”.
One of the best things about being LM is that sometimes, if u are determined to do nothing, good things happen #BollArt credt @han_francisco pic.twitter.com/VQCUcpgMdq
— Robert Doyle (@LordMayorMelb) July 4, 2017
A month on, and it’s difficult to find a bollard that hasn’t been touched by an artist. We spend an afternoon in search of our favourites; see if you can find them before they transform again.
10: Mexican bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
This Southern Cross bollard is bringing colourful Day of the Dead realness to a grey Melbourne day.
9: Trump bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
There is a LOT going on here in this politically charged bollard, and we're here for all of it. Look carefully for every little detail...
8: Bowie bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
Can you figure out which Bowie incarnation is peeking out from the left of Aladdin Sane?
7: Stop Adani bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
Simple and striking.
6: 'Love is Love' bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
The DIY approach to this cloth-covered LGBTQIA-friendly bollard only increases its appeal.
5: Cit Cat/#EndMaleTerrorism bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
An important reminder that public safety bollards won't stop the most insidious form of violence in Australia.
4: Mario bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
Does this angry guy look familiar? If you've been playing the new version of Mario Kart lately, you'll recognise it from the Thwomp Ruins course.
3: Colourful block friends bollards
Photograph: Graham Denholm
Is it weird that I want to give the red one a hug?
2: 'Welcome to Melbourne' bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
There are strong 'welcome to our primary school' mural vibes with this patchwork bollard. Not only is it cute as hell, it's also a welcome sight for tourists, new arrivals to Melbourne and those stepping off the train at Southern Cross. Plus, look at the face on the little tram!
1: Sidney Nolan bollard
Photograph: Graham Denholm
Some crafty Melburnian spent hours sewing this carefully colour-coordinated cloth cover, in homage to Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly series. To us, it also represents the idea that whether you're a famous painter, a cult underground street artist or just a person with a cool idea, our bollards are here for the decorating. So whip out your sewing machine, your stencils or your paints and get creative, Melbourne – we can't wait to see what you come up with next.