Journey to the heart of New York's graffiti scene at the Warrnambool Art Gallery, with major exhibition CLAW MONEY WORLD opening on November 16.
The world-exclusive exhibition charts the career of trailblazing artist Claudia Gold from her "paint and run" days of the early 1990s to her iconic collaborations with global brands like Nike, and her fashion label that counts Rhianna and Kendrick Lamar among its followers.
As well as looking back, it also features brand-new pieces Gold created in the Warrnambool Art Gallery, especially for the exhibition.
Speaking at the Warrnambool Art Gallery, Gold said that she initially kept her identity a secret, but was convinced be female friends to claim her work and show that women have a place in the male-dominated graffiti scene.
"For me personally, it was to prove to myself that I could keep up with the boys," she said.
"It's an important story to tell and I love keeping the focus on women artists."
And from its origins on the East Coast, Gold has watched as graffiti culture has been embraced globally.
"People are really connected to what they see, and what's in the street.
"It's a juxtaposition to all the advertising you are forced to view."
While this is her first visit Down Under, she's familiar with Australian street art.
"I've always been a fan of Australian street art. I mean, Melbourne is so famous for its graffiti. They have their own distinct style," she said.
"Australia has some of the best and the brightest."
Not just an admirer of Australia's street art scene, Gold is adding to it.
To help promote the exhibition in Warrnambool, she worked with three Melbourne artists to paint a mural at the Fitzroy pool. And she has plans for Warrnambool too, with an artwork to be created in a secret location before her departure.
"Keep your eyes peeled!" she said.
Warrnambool Art Gallery Director Aaron Bradbrook said it was an honour to work with Claudia.
"I've been following Claudia's practice for a long time and it happened by looking for a story that hadn't been told in its fulsome," he said.
"There's something in it for everyone. There's '90s and '80s nostalgia. There's sneakers, there's fashion, there's celebrity culture, there's graffiti culture.
"The gallery aligns itself with people who are having the biggest impact. People who have something to say, who are hitting the most important, cultural, social, artistic conversations worldwide. And we have a worldwide focus as well.
"Alongside Claudia, there's an extraordinary First Nations show by Kait James as well. There's some similarities in the tones that they are hitting. Both are very strong, powerful female presences talking about incredible artistic movements and I think they complement each other really well."
CLAW MONEY WORLD follows on from the Warrnambool Art Gallery's highly successful Lisa Gorman and Mira Morka exhibition held last summer, with Bradbrook saying that major exhibitions add a new dimension for holidaymakers while providing locals with a world-class exhibition in their own backyard.
"For audiences to travel to Warrnambool for a classic beachside holiday and have a gallery that is giving them an opportunity to explore another option on their holiday, that's fantastic," he said.
"And the reverse. All the audiences that are travelling for this urban experience, they're gifted a beachside holiday as well."
CLAW MONEY WORLD is proudly supported by the Victorian State Government through Visit Victoria and the Regional Events Fund, Creative Victoria, Warrnambool City Council, and Montana Paints. The Gallery is grateful for the contributions of the Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation, The Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation, The A L Lane Foundation, and The William and Lindsay Brodie Foundation.
CLAW MONEY WORLD runs until March 16, 2025.
Learn more at www.thewag.com.au
Admission:
Adult: $18
Members/Concession/ *Locals: $12
Children $6
Family $45 (2x Adults and 2x Children)
Under 8 Years Free
* Identification proving locality (within the Warrnambool City Council Shire) needs to be presented upon entry.
