Image:
Portrait of Sofles
Photo: Nicole Reed
21 March — 28 March 2024
Benalla Art Gallery and Benalla Library
Artist Sofles will transform the Gallery’s exterior into a vibrant masterpiece during the Benalla Street Art Festival. His installation, set to captivate onlookers with a kaleidoscope of colours, seamlessly blends urban aesthetics with traditional art forms. Meanwhile, beneath the Benalla Library, Sofles is crafting an immersive space that promises to transport visitors into a world of wonder. By blending street art techniques this space is set to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression. Sofles’ dual installations at the heart of the Festival showcase his unparalleled ability to push the boundaries of conventional art and immerse audiences in a sensory journey.
About the Artist
Born: 1985, Brisbane, Australia
Lives and works: Brisbane, Australia
Renowned Australian graffiti artist Russell Fenn, known by his alias Sofles, emerges from Brisbane with over two decades of self-taught artistic expertise. Proficient in diverse mediums, including acrylics, aerosol, brush painting, digital illustration and drawing, Sofles has left his mark on global metropolises such as Berlin, Copenhagen, and LA. His expansive murals, inspired by graffiti, nature, society, and traditional art, serve as emotive visual narratives. Sofles aims to evoke strong emotions through his creations, exploring the concepts of abstract amalgamation of past experiences, dimensions, and time. His artistic journey transcends borders, leaving an indelible impression on the global art scene.
About the Benalla Street Art Festival
Recognised as Australia’s leading regional street art destination, Benalla boasts an array of murals crafted by renowned artists such as Adnate, Dvate, Claire Foxton, Justine McAllister, Rone, and Guido van Helten. International talents like Choq and INSANE51 from Europe, as well as Elle and Lauren YS from the United States, have also left their mark on this regional town.
After a break of five years, largely due to the global COVID pandemic, the event is making a popular return to rejuvenate the community. Under the guidance of the new experienced curator, Eddie Zammit, the Festival has been rebranded simply as the Benalla Street Art Festival. Zammit brings a fresh vision to the project, expanding its programming to include cinema screenings, exhibitions, immersive art experiences, public forums, and over a dozen new murals.
Lasting a week, the Festival aims to stimulate the local economy and attract more visitors to the community. Zammit emphasises the importance of considering the overall aesthetics of the main shopping area, envisioning the Festival as an enticing reason for people to travel from Melbourne. With Benalla just over a two-hour drive up the Hume Highway from the CBD, Zammit sees the event as an opportunity to encourage visitors to explore Benalla and its beautiful surrounds. The Festival will showcase a blend of Australian talents like Lisa King and Travis Price, alongside international artists such as Amanda Valdes, promising a vibrant week long celebration of street art in the heart of Beautiful Benalla.
Benalla Street Art Festival Official Program
Explore the full program of artists and events below:
