Photo Diary
Over the years, during each visit to Sydney for conferences, I found myself returning to the same familiar stores. They offered convenience and efficiency, remaining largely unchanged in appearance. Remarkably, despite the triannual renovation requirements imposed by their leases within shopping centres and food courts, the signage and overall presentation remained consistent, lending a sense of continuity amid the passage of time.
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Sign2
Rone: Street Artist of Elegance and Decay in Fitzroy, Melbourne
Rone, the pseudonym of Tyrone Wright, is one of Melbourne’s most renowned street artists, celebrated internationally for his hauntingly beautiful portraits of women that grace crumbling walls and forgotten spaces. His murals evoke a compelling contrast between beauty and decay—a central theme that has come to define his aesthetic. Nowhere is this more evocatively expressed than in the streets of Fitzroy, Melbourne’s cradle of bohemian culture and urban creativity.
In Fitzroy, Rone’s work is woven into the very fabric of the suburb. His large-scale murals typically depict elegant female faces rendered with painterly precision—eyes soft, melancholic, and distant, as though they belong to fading memories of another time. These portraits often occupy weathered surfaces, where peeling paint and exposed brick are not flaws but integral elements of the work, symbolising impermanence and the quiet erosion of beauty by time.
One of Rone’s most famous Fitzroy murals was painted on the side of the Young Husband Wool Store, and another memorable piece graced a wall along Napier Street. Though some of his Fitzroy works have since disappeared—painted over, demolished, or reclaimed by the environment—their spirit lingers in photos, archives, and in the visual memory of the community. These transient masterpieces underscore one of Rone’s key messages: beauty is fleeting, and so is the space it occupies.
Rone’s Fitzroy murals are more than art; they are monuments to emotion, atmosphere, and the tension between urban life and artistic stillness. In a city constantly changing, his work offers a quiet pause—inviting passersby to stop, feel, and remember.
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Mural Monday
Many of the buildings and interiors bore a striking resemblance to those found in Melbourne. At times, I found myself reflecting on how modern cities, despite their geographic distances and cultural distinctions, often share a uniformity in design and atmosphere. The steel and glass façades, the sleek minimalist interiors, and the ubiquitous presence of international retail chains contribute to a certain sameness that transcends borders. It is as though the identity of place is increasingly shaped by global architectural trends rather than local character. One might wander from one metropolis to another and, for a fleeting moment, forget which city they are truly in.
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Sign2
In the vicinity of Martin Place, Sydney, I have observed numerous signs newly installed in alignment with this week's theme.
I am feeling somewhat unwell at present and have endeavoured to perform additional sit-ups in order to strengthen my abdominal muscles. Muscles release good hormones.
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Sign2
Wagu Teppanyaki
Kyoto Matcha Yoghurt ice-cream
Korean BBQ joint
Tempura hot pot
Taiwan was under Japanese occupation for over fifty years, and as a result, much of what I observe in its streets and shops consists of direct franchises from Japan. Historically, one might expect the Taiwanese to harbor resentment toward Japan for its colonial rule over the island, particularly in light of the Sino-Japanese War, during which millions of Chinese lives were lost in a single day. Yet, paradoxically, the majority of the population today embraces Japanese popular culture with great enthusiasm, admiring everything from its cuisine and fashion to its history. In many respects, the island bears the unmistakable imprint of a Japanese state.
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Sign2
Labels:
20-70mm,
f4,
sign,
signs,
Sony A7RV,
street,
street photo,
street photography,
taipei
Bourke St Mall - Myer is doing badly for business several decades in a row
This is the time of the week showing signs of Melbourne!
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Sign2
"Small vessel township"
Asakusa is a bustling district in Taitō, Tokyo, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. One of the most iconic landmarks in Asakusa is Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple and the oldest in Tokyo, dating back to 645 AD.
The entrance to Sensō-ji is marked by the imposing Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), a magnificent structure that serves as a grand portal into the temple grounds. The Kaminarimon gate features a gigantic red lantern with the kanji characters "雷門" (Kaminarimon) boldly inscribed on it, symbolizing thunder and lightning. Flanking the lantern are statues of the Shinto gods Fujin (god of wind) and Raijin (god of thunder), adding to the gate's awe-inspiring presence.
Fujifilm Pro2
16-50mm f2.8
Linking Sign2
Upon Lismore's main thoroughfare, I find no place to stow my carriage.
This location, situated near China Town in Melbourne, is governed by a 'No Standing' sign, indicating that no vehicles, including bicycles, may be stationed here
The café in question is not situated in Segovia, but rather in Melbourne
De Graves Street possesses a distinctive ambiance. The indications are evident.
Upon the final day in Adelaide, we discovered a Thai establishment where we partook of spring rolls. Our endeavor to capture the beauty of Port Willunga proved unfruitful, for there were no parking spaces to be found.
A delectable Pork Knuckle adorned with a delectably crispy skin—one cannot miss such an exquisite dish, certainly not by mere accident.
All memories
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Sign2
I have recently come to the realisation of the substantial number of mural artworks which I have photographed over the past few years. As it has become increasingly difficult to feature all of them on my blog in a timely manner, I believe it is most appropriate to share them more broadly in each weekly post.
Sony A7RV
FE 20-70mm f4 G
Linking Mural Monday
Leonid was my closest friend during our university years. Recently, we exchanged a few messages on Facebook, and I discovered that he is a fervent supporter of Meghan Markle. I never knew he was someone who enjoyed gossip, as he always advised me to keep things to myself. This revelation caused me to feel sudden discomfort, as it seemed he had changed. He is a dedicated bone marrow transplant physician, a father of four children, and has a devoted wife.
Labels:
20-70mm,
f4,
Lismore,
mural art,
nsw,
Sony A7RV,
street,
street art,
street photo,
wall art
I am preparing for war game on my mobile phone. Self indulgence. So no more photowalk in city
Sony a7RV
FE 35mm f1.4 GM
Linking Sign2
Labels:
35mm,
f1.4,
flagstaff station,
melbourne,
Naarm,
sign,
Sony A7RV,
street,
street photo,
street photography
Spotted this mural off Victoria parade Melbourne
Theese teeth are so shiny for a toothpaste ad!
Sony A7RV
Sigma 17mm f4
Linking Mural Monday
It was a really low key weekend. Joel and I did not get the skating rink candid as they are all kids. We want to avoid the controversy. So it was just a lovely Italian lunch that we end up reading about climate change being the worst in 2023.
Sony A7RV
Sigma 17mm f4
Linking Mural Monday
Labels:
17mm,
australia,
f4,
Fitzroy,
Fitzroy St,
graffiti,
melbourne,
mural,
sigma,
Sony A7RV,
street,
street art,
wall art
