An artist who received backlash for a mural deemed too graphic has asked residents in Wyndham to see the artwork in person before forming an opinion.
David Lee Pereira was commissioned by Wyndham council to paint the artwork in Station Lane, Werribee.
Over the past few days media coverage has described the mural as having phallic connotations.
Pereira said the mural was 110 metres wide, but was being judged based on a few bricks.
“That’s quite sad, because that wasn’t my intention, so seeing the mural as a whole, it’s a lot more complex and thoughtful, than just being reduced to porn,” he said.
“It’s not meant to be aggressive, it’s quite cheeky and playful, and a celebration of sexuality, gender and identity and the diversity of the community, but none of that story is being told,” he said.
Pereira said most people had yet to see the mural and because of its location, in a long and narrow laneway, it was best seen in person.
“I want the focus to be about the intention of the mural and show it to people and let them make an educated decision about what they think rather than having their opinion told to them,” he said.
“Every person who comes out is just like, this is gorgeous, but people are responding to misinformation online and it’s sad.”
Pereira said much of the backlash he received about not being from Wyndham was “coated in hate”.
“Labeling me as someone who’s not from here, my family is in Truganina, I’ve spent every holiday in this area, I’ve lived out here multiple times in my life.
“The coding of saying ‘he’s not from here’, I’m from Melbourne, I’m Australian and my voice is valid.”
Wyndham council yesterday (Thursday, May 26) posted a statement on Facebook letting residents know changes would be made to the mural to “address the adult themes and community concern”.
Amidst the backlash, many residents spoke out in support of Pereira’s artwork.
“It’s beautiful,” Misty Palmer commented in response to the council’s post.
“Let’s normalise all bodies and shapes, these images aren’t of sexual nature but of nature.”
Another commenter, Tracey Potatau-Wright said people making negative comments were being “sooks”.
“The so called ’offensive’ bits don’t jump out at you…they need to be really looked for. Obviously once you know you can’t help but see them,” Ms Potatau-Wright said.
“Overall this laneway looks vibrant and colourful, gorgeous flowers and insects with just a bit of naughty fun.”
