Killing of Canberra returns as a wave of street artists, painters and writers from around the country, roll into Canberra and undertake a mass spraying of the Woden Drain.
Saturday
Rain poured down from about three in the morning, soaking the ground and completely filling the channel. By eleven, the water was greatly reduced and only a few of the artists descended into the drain to work on their section, on rain soaked concrete canvases of melting primer. There was a parallel spray up in Bible Lane, where there may have been more success, but I didn’t see it that day.
That night was the afterparty and art show, most of which was moved indoors, as the rooftop was washed out. The art show featured the works of several artists available for sale. Meanwhile breakdancing and hip hop battles happened upstairs. I met a some new folks and caught up with a few acquaintances.
Sunday
The sun was shining, the water almost gone, and the walls now dry, the artists and writers took up their chosen places to finish their work. Some agonised over their work, others worked with urgency, looking to get back home that evening. I had limited time there, so I left without seeing anything finished.
The next week
Once work is finished, particularly with graffiti and street art, there’s always a chance some opportunistic asshole decides to tag the shit out of the work. This did not happen last year, and as of writing this has not happened yet.
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