The street art project ‘Love and Peace’ was commissioned by the City of Greater Dandenong to promote diversity of the Little Indian Cultural Precinct.
The precinct, on the corner of Mason Street and Foster Street in Dandenong, claims to be the longest standing and the most authentic cluster of Indian and subcontinental culture and commerce in Melbourne, with more than 60 shops and over 30 businesses from subcontinental backgrounds, including eateries, groceries, general retail and fashion making it a unique hub.
‘Love and Peace’
Peacock painting on electricity pole (Sohail Yamin) Source: Sohail Yamin
The new artwork was recently completed by local artist Sohail Yamin from Berwick, who was commissioned by the council to decorate the precinct's power poles.
Yamin’s work is inspired by coloured motifs, symbols and slogans similar to those of truck art which are very popular in Pakistan.
Mr Yamin said the council commissioned him to make artistic paintings on electricity poles, which incorporate the sub-continental art and culture.
“This was the first time I was working on electricity poles. It was quite a challenge and an interesting experience,” he told SBS Urdu.
By profession, Sohail Yamin is a mechanical engineer and likes to plan out a project before starting out. Sometimes, though, plans do not go as expected.
See, but with love (Sohail Yamin) Source: Sohail Yamin
“The first two days went great and I got a lot done, but in my planning, I had not catered for the weather. So on the third day when it rained at least half of my work was wasted,” said Mr Yamin.
He said he tries to promote peace and spread love through his art: "I believe every issue can be resolved through this feeling.
“I have used a lot of bold colours in my paintings and people have appreciated my art. Some people said to me that your art takes away from the numbness of the area,” he said.
Vision for the precinct
According to the Council’s website, currently, there are more than 12,000 Indian born residents living in the City of Greater Dandenong.
In 2017, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon Robin Scott announced a funding commitment of $500,000 for Victoria’s first Indian Cultural Precinct, which included input from state government as well as community leaders to set the direction and prepare a community vision for the precinct.
Current Projects
As part of the council’s plan to bring colour and vibrancy to the Indian Cultural Precinct, this year multiple street art projects are taking place.
Mayor of Greater Dandenong, Cr Youhorn Chea told SBS Urdu that “Throughout 2018, the City of Greater Dandenong has been implementing a street art project to bring colour and vibrancy to the Indian Cultural Precinct in Dandenong.
“The aspiration for street art in Little India is to improve presentation and curation of the precinct and creatively transform high profile interfaces between the retail offer and the public realm.
Street art on electricity pole by Sohail Yamin at Little India Cultural Precinct Source: Sohail Yamin
“The City of Greater Dandenong is delivering on the Indian Cultural Precinct Framework which is a shared vision for Victoria’s first Indian Precinct. It is supported with funding through the State Government’s Community Infrastructure and Cultural Precincts Program,” he further added.
‘Love and Peace’ is the most recent street art project to be completed. Previous projects included ‘Adornment’ a mural inspired by textile and tapestry designs.
Completed street art on electricity pole by Sohail Yamin at Little India Cultural Precinct Source: Sohail Yamin
“Mahatma Gandhi” street art painting portrayed Gandhi’s message of non-violence and peaceful co-existence.
The mural “Between Two Worlds” depicts an Australia Day Young Leader of the Year award winner Aishwarya Pokkuluri who is being recognized for her volunteerism towards marginalized young people.
Find out more about the Little India Cultural Precinct art projects here.
'Between Two Worlds' mural depicting Australia Day Young Leader of the Year Aishwarya Pokkuluri, (left) and 'Mahatma Gandhi Mural' (right). Source: Greater Dandenong Council
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