Street Art in Newcastle
Newcastle is full of surprises around every corner. For a long time, the city has been recognised for having incredible creative potential, having more artists per capita than anywhere else in Australia.
In the celebration of this fact, we thought we would highlight some of our favourite new and old ocean-related street art from around the city, and where to find it.
Merewether Aquarium — Trevor Dickinson
The first of which is the Merewether Aquarium by Newcastle artist and icon, Trevor Dickinson. Aquarium you say? I didn’t know Newcastle had its own Aquarium?? Well, it’s not the type of aquarium that might first come to mind.
Trevor Dickinson has created a truly unique piece of art called the “Merewether Aquarium” (with parts also by John Earle and Michael Bell), located inside and pedestrian underpass just back from Merewether beach on the south side, behind the Merewether Surfhouse.
You will definitely be excused if you travel through the underpass and get lost in the beauty of Trevor’s art, not knowing if you are diving deep under the ocean with exotic marine animals, or inside an actual aquarium full of interesting underwater creations!
Cuppa Joe’s — Mitch Revs
One of Newcastle’s most well-known artists is Mitch Revs. A self-taught artist/illustrator and Newcastle local who enjoys creating unique pieces of art inspired by the ocean. Mitch loves the Newcastle coastline and much of his artwork is on feature at his galley on Hunter St, in Newcastle’s CBD.
Easily a destination in itself, the galley is filled with prints of his artwork, puzzles, reusable keep cups, t-shirts and playing cards, all with his artwork printed on it. Many Novocastrians resonate with Mitch’s art as it pays homage to the city we know and love, including memorable features like the Queens Wharf Tower, the Pasha Bulker and Surfest.
This surfing street art (by Mitch) is located at Cuppa Joe’s, at Merewether. While you’re there, why not stop in for a Cuppa Joe and a bite to eat!
Ocean Soul — Jordan Lucky
Ocean Soul is one of the newest and most spectacular pieces of ocean street art in Newcastle. Leading you through the street of Tighes Hill, opposite Praise Joe coffee shop, lies this unique piece by local artist, Jordan Lucky. The project of Ocean Soul was a collaborative project between Praise Joe, Jordan Lucky and the community. Arguably one of our favourite pieces of art around the city, it brings to life a connection to the ocean, right here in the suburbs.
Newcastle is loaded with hidden gems of street art from laneways to Darby St and even our own electrical boxes on Hunter St by artist, Rebecca Murray. There is plenty of street art to explore in Newcastle, there is also a handy little tool to find some of them — here.
One of the most exciting events in this space is ‘The Big Picture Fest’. The Festival is a three-day international street art festival bring together some of the best talent locally, as well as from around the globe. For more information on The Big Picture Fest visit — thebigpicturefest.com
