Camberwell’s Nigel cafe gets vibrant makeover with ‘mural for community’

A local artist has given a roller door at a Camberwell cafe a vibrant makeover, with a striking mural that reflects movement and diverse lifestyles.

The mural appears next to Nigel cafe in Burke Rd, right near the junction, and displays people walking in different directions against a palette of varying shades of green.

Artist Jimmy Mollison, who lives locally in Camberwell, said the concept for the outdoor artwork he created was inspired by the movement of people – those coming and going from the cafe, those on their daily commute, and people travelling in different directions.

The artwork shows an interpretation of the diverse lifestyles that people lead, while the different shades of green gives the mural depth and dimension.

“Nigel has a deep green in their logo and dark green umbrellas at the front of the cafe, so we wanted to continue that colour palette in the mural,” he said.

“And because the cafe is not as much of a dine-in venue, it’s more of a grab-and-go cafe, we thought that whole concept of movement, hustle and bustle, get in and out, and people heading off to work or school, would be good.”

The mural also incorporates a nod to the Camberwell neighbourhood, with a traditional Victorian house and a wooden picket fence, commonly seen around the area, featured in the artwork.

“Bringing in that element of the history of Camberwell, with the housing and picket fence, was about tapping into the nostalgia of the area,” Mollison said.

Nigel owner Daniel Dick, who commissioned the artwork, said he was looking for something to revitalise the outdoor space of his cafe.

“Before it was literally a roller door, so it was pretty drab to begin with. Now we have something vibrant tucked away there, and it was a really nice way to activate that space,” he said.

“Part of it [the mural] was about creating a connection with our community. Jimmy had an idea to create something that incorporated this ‘takeaway, commuter and community vibe’ which I think he captured very well.

“Street art and cafe culture goes hand in hand, so they compliment each other well. Now it gives people something bright and colourful to enjoy and I’m sure it’ll bring a smile to their face.”

Manager of the Camberwell Traders’ Association Kerry Daly said the mural was a welcome addition to the Camberwell Junction precinct.

“The artwork is striking and certainly captures your attention as you walk past it. It has not only elevated the area immediately surrounding Nigel cafe, but has also enhanced the junction by adding a focal point of interest,” she said.

“The traders’ association is currently working with Boroondara Council’s placemaking team to update and refresh the precinct, so we hope to see more opportunities for public art and creative additions to improve the ambience, which we feel the community would appreciate.”

With the mural now complete and publicly visible, Mollison said he hopes people will “simply enjoy it”.

“I hope it makes people smile as they walk past or that it gives them something interesting to look at. But I also want people to feel like they’re at home in Camberwell,” he said.

“The mural belongs to the community now – it’s there for everyone to enjoy.”

Jimmy Mollison is a painter, illustrator and designer who lives in Camberwell. His artworks mainly focus on figures, portraits and shadows, and the concept of movement is prominent in many of his projects. You can follow him on Instagram at @jimmmmyjam

Portrait image by Ben Buratto – Instagram: @yungbeej_

All other images courtesy Jimmy Mollison.

Camberwell’s laneways have become a walk of art with a recent makeover in the busy shopping precinct.

The laneway between Prospect Hill Rd and Market Place has transformed into an outdoor gallery, with a two-part mural installation by Melbourne artist Stephen Baker (pictured).

As part of a larger laneway revitalisation project by Boorondara Council to deter crime and graffiti, the art has the added effect of inspiring shoppers and traders in the precinct.

Melbourne is a city known for its hip laneway art, and now visitors to Camberwell can get in on the art action.

Baker is renowned for his ‘Pool Parade’ piece on the façade of the Fitzroy Pool, and he has brought inner-city cool to Camberwell with a bright and bold series of murals entitled Eye of the Beholder.

Manager of the Camberwell Traders Association Kerry Daly said the colourful murals were a fantastic addition to the shopping precinct.

“We have many laneways linking the streets of the junction and the car parks to Burke Rd, and the art creates brighter and more attractive spaces. People can enjoy our laneways in between shopping, dining and visiting the area,” she said.

“Each new installation adds character and interest so we welcome more public art throughout the area.”

The two murals, strategically-placed in the busy laneway that leads through to Camberwell’s popular Sunday Market, tell the story of ‘trade’ through images inspired by hieroglyphic artwork.

In his creative ethos behind the project, Baker said he used the murals to reflect on the vibrancy that is the Sunday Market.

“The larger artwork tells the story of trade through stripped back hieroglyphic forms, where the smaller north façade wall captures a snapshot of a Sunday’s trade in a panoramic landscape,” Baker said.

Boroondara mayor Phillip Healey said he was delighted with the exciting initiative, which benefits both the local community and its traders.

“Improvements such as these not only result in more appealing, safer thoroughfares for residents and visitors, but also reduce the incidence of illegal graffiti,” he said.

Baker took two weeks to complete the murals, which were supported with funding of $23,400 from the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program.

Baker’s murals are the first in a number of key laneway revitalisation projects set to give Camberwell a fresh new vibe.

Other changes to come will include bluestone paving, improved lighting, greenery and custom-made lightboxes showcasing up-and-coming artists.

Camberwell’s truly unique “art on show”, Camberwell on Canvas, returns this year for its fifth instalment.

Running from November 15 – 30, the show displays works by local artists in Camberwell’s shop windows.

Artists ranging from juniors and amateurs to professionals have been allocated a store and will create an artwork to fit this years’ theme “Art to Match a Store”.

The Camberwell Centre Association created this community event to promote the unique businesses in the historical Burke Hill part of the shopping precinct, and provide a forum for art lovers. The association provides the canvases on which the artworks are created and allow the artists to sell their art to members of the public, if they wish to, with no commission taken.

The artworks range in styles, from traditional to impressionist, abstract and surreal. The artists have also been encouraged to adopt a variety of mediums in their works including oil, water colour and acrylic paints as well as charcoal and collage.

Camberwell Centre Association manager Kerry Daly said Camberwell on Canvas was a great way to celebrate local art in the shopping precinct and engage with the community.

“It’s an opportunity for local artists to have their work displayed and seen by a whole new audience,” Ms Daly said.

“As most of the artworks are displayed in shop windows around the Burke Hill area, the art show also gives our local shoppers and traders the ability to enjoy some colour and beauty in a vibrant part of Camberwell.”

Members of the public can vote for their favourite artworks and prizes will be awarded to the best judges matches, most popular matches and other awards provided by retailers and art-loving members of the public. Free programs will also be available in participating stores.

A passionate beginning

Camberwell on Canvas coordinator Colin Freckleton started the annual art show after having a vision for bringing together a community of artists, shoppers and traders.

“I really appreciate art. When Camberwell on Canvas began five years ago I was trying to think of something that would bring people to Burke Hill in Camberwell and allow for a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week style exhibition,” he said.

“We called it ‘art on show’, not an art show, as it’s about bring inclusive. We want people of all ages and talent to feel they can be part of the exhibition.”

Mr Freckleton said he wanted the art show to be “impactful” and thought getting the artworks created on the same sized canvas would be a great way to show consistency and create an statement as they hang in shop windows.

Each year the Camberwell Centre Association provides the canvases to the artists, which are all 16 inches by 20 inches, and Mr Freckleton coordinates the logistics of getting the canvases to the artists and collecting them once completed. He then gathers information about each artwork and creates tags for them, before getting the canvases strung and hung in their dedicated shop windows.

Mr Freckleton said the theme “Art to Match a Store” gave artists a chance to connect with local businesses and create their own interpretation of the store – be that a reflection of the physical environment or any other elements.

Mr Freckleton said the theme also gave viewers a personal insight into the artworks.

“With each artwork, you can see what the artist has been inspired by. Usually, the viewer wouldn’t get this kind of insight. But now you can stand at the store, view its surroundings and see how the artwork is an interpretation of that store,” he said.

Most importantly, the art show brings together the local community to celebrate Camberwell, Mr Freckleton said.

“We get a lot of returning artists each year, which is lovely. We’ve cultivated a wonderful connection with the local artists and wider community.”

A platform for artists

Camberwell on Canvas has provided a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds, including amateurs and professionals, and those working in different mediums.

The art show has also been a launching pad for budding and student artists, and offered a platform for hidden talent to shine.

This year, the event has attracted 87 artists.

Julia from Empress Road Art Group said Camberwell on Canvas gave her students the chance to get involved in a public exhibition.

“Only a couple (of students) have ever painted before, and yet two have won prizes, there have been some sales and lots of genuine, warm compliments,” she said.

“We all love and know Camberwell but have discovered businesses we were not familiar with and taken our friends and families to view the paintings. I would love to convey the boost in our confidence, and the fun and satisfaction of creating the paintings to suit the shops.”

Artist Maggie said Camberwell on Canvas gave her art group a fun goal, allowing them share ideas and watch each other’s work unfold.

“I enjoyed walking around Burke Hill and seeing all the wonderful paintings and was amazed at the creativity and talent of the artists,” she said.

Camberwell on Canvas also allows artists to sell their artworks to interested buyers, and does not take a commission.

Vote for your favourite artwork

Members of the public can view and vote for their favourite artwork in this year’s Camberwell on Canvas. The artwork with the most votes will be awarded a special prize.

There will also be a “Best Match” award, as voted by a judge and miscellaneous traders who will nominate the artwork they believe best represents the store it hangs in.

Members of the public who vote for their favourite artworks will also go into a draw to win a Camberwell shopping voucher.

This competition is now closed.