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some demons strolling around playing music all day and night because they have nothing better to do and it is very fun

Jason Phu

Jason Phu, some demons strolling around playing music all day and night because they have nothing better to do and it is very fun, at Gertrude Contemporary. Photography by Christian Capurro.
Jason Phu, some demons strolling around playing music all day and night because they have nothing better to do and it is very fun, at Gertrude Contemporary. Photography by Christian Capurro.

7 October -
2 November 2021

Gertrude Contemporary

21-31 High Street, Preston South

Street viewable daily 

Gertrude was pleased to present a street-facing commission by Gertrude Studio Artist Jason Phu.  

Jason Phu's commission at Gertrude Contemporary comprised a large-scale and colourful mural featuring an ensemble of lively, musical demons. Forming a joyous marching band, the procession included percussion-playing figures, living instruments, singing spirits, and even a French horn hybrid snail. The mural was conceived by Phu, a Gertrude Studio Artist, as a bright and uplifting scene for the community and especially children, celebrating the importance of music in lifting our moods during difficult times.

Phu’s work is like a blood orange. Someone will slice it open and be like “oh why is this orange red,” and then someone else will say “that is a blood orange you idiot,” and then there will be someone else nearby who says “ahh no I can’t see the juice squirted in my eyes and now I’m blind,” and then while this whole commotion is going on another person has taken a slice to enjoy on the sand by the ocean.

The artwork had accompanying audio which was only able to be experienced in person. Commissioned as a gesture to High Street in Preston during lockdown in Melbourne due to COVID-19, the mural was visible for passers-by within the permitted radius of travel.

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Gertrude Contemporary

Wurundjeri Country
21-31 High Street
Preston South VIC
Melbourne, Australia

Opening hours:
Tuesday–Sunday 11am–5pm

Gertrude Glasshouse

Wurundjeri Country
44 Glasshouse Road
Collingwood VIC
Melbourne, Australia

Opening hours:
Thursday–Saturday 12–5pm