Melbourne mural creating storm
A recently painted mural, bankrolled by the state government, has ignited fury within Melbourne’s Jewish community, with critics slamming it for perpetuating “stereotypical anti-Semitic tropes”.
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Positioned on the upper façade of a Carlisle Street shopfront in Balaclava, the mural, crafted by local artist Michael Porter, has come under fire for its portrayal of faces that some members of the Jewish community claim reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Promoted by the Port Phillip Council as part of its “People Of Balaclava” initiative, the mural has triggered a social media storm. The council’s Facebook post, showcasing the artwork and encouraging public engagement, has drawn sharp criticism.
In response, John Curtin Research Centre executive director Nick Dyrenfurth expressed his dismay, stating on social media, “I have no words.” Dyrenfurth also pointed out a potentially contentious connection, noting that the artist, Mic Porter, shared a video on October 29 at a Melbourne protest set to the tune of Nina Simone’s ‘Backlash Blues.’
City of Port Phillip Councillor Marcus Pearl echoed the concerns, formally urging the council to remove the mural. He told the Herald Sun: “I have received a significant number of complaints from members of our community who find these murals deeply offensive,” Pearl said. “At a time when unity and cohesion are paramount, I sincerely apologize for the distress caused by these artworks to our community. Such instances of divisiveness are utterly unacceptable. I have formally requested the Council to take immediate action for the removal of these murals, marking a governance failure.”
Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler voiced deep concern, stating, “As Jewish Australians feel under siege from an explosion of anti-Semitism across Australia, to see a stereotypical anti-Semitic trope in the heart of the Jewish community, funded by the Government, it’s pretty clear is deeply concerning. We have seen this story before.”
Zionism Victoria’s executive director, Zeddy Lawrence, told J-Wire: “Having looked at a number of the artist’s works online, I can appreciate that this may be his style. If that’s the case, it’s just incredibly unfortunate that his comically grotesque images which are redolent of monstrous antisemitic caricatures appear as street art in such a notable Jewish neighbourhood.
Someone somewhere may have made a very poor judgement call as to what would be appropriate to feature on the facades of Carlisle Street.”
The controversy continues to brew, intensifying the debate over the role of public art and its impact on community cohesion. Stay tuned for updates as the fate of the contentious mural hangs in the balance.
As we go to press, according to reports, the mayor has announced the offending mural will be removed.
