Exploring murals in the Australian city of Darwin is an enlightening experience, especially when you have artist David Collins as a guide.
Collins is director of the Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF), an annual event whose legacy can be seen in 130 large-scale works dotted around the capital of Australiaโs Northern Territory.
Just do not ask him to pick a favourite. โThat is difficult,โ Collins says. โItโs like asking a parent to choose their favourite child.โ
Since its inception in 2017, DSAF has turned dirty and dull surfaces around Darwin into magnificent works of art.
โThis here was derelict before the murals arrived,โ says Collins, pointing to a laneway 370 metres (1,200ft) long that is now adorned with 21 murals. โIt was a nothing lane that was used as a loading zone.โ
It is a perfect example of the transformative power of art: when murals appeared, businesses from bars and restaurants to arts and events spaces sprouted.