Street artist Rone, whose vivid murals of female faces adorn cities around the globe, is delving into his latest project from a modest studio in Collingwood, Melbourne. Known in real life as Tyrone Wright, Rone is meticulously preparing to create his next masterpiece by projecting a design onto the studio wall and carefully tracing it using a high-voltage perforating machine, which he humorously notes can be dangerous.
The studio, shared with fellow artist Callum Preston, has become a collaborative hub for artistic expression. Preston, celebrated for his nostalgic installations like a 1980s video store displayed at the Melbourne Immigration Museum, brings a different flavor to their workspace. Visitors will have the chance to explore this creative environment during the Open House Melbourne event, which will open the studio to the public for the first time.
Open House Melbourne, set to take place over the weekend of July 26-27, is expected to attract over 65,000 attendees who will be able to visit a variety of venues, including the popular Blender Studios and Everfresh Studio, both significant to the street art scene. This event not only showcases local artistic talent but also highlights Melbourne’s rich cultural fabric, inviting residents to engage with the city’s creative community.
Rone and Preston’s journey through various studios over the past two decades reflects the changing landscape of artistic spaces in inner-city Melbourne, where artist collectives are becoming increasingly rare due to gentrification. However, their recent purchase of a commercial studio space is seen as a turning point. Unlike previous locations that faced challenges like flooding or eviction, their new home offers stability, allowing them to continue enriching the local arts scene without impending disruption.
Additionally, during Open House, Preston plans to display illustrations created for various bands and revisit scenes from past performances, further emphasizing the importance of community in the arts. The event—a part of Open House Worldwide, which spans 60 cities—demonstrates the global interest in local culture and creativity.
This period not only marks a significant moment for Rone and Preston as artists but also symbolizes hope for the revival and appreciation of Melbourne’s rich artistic legacy amidst ongoing urban challenges.
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