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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-paced
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. One one hand it’s personal tale of finding oneself in Australian identity and family. I couldn’t put it down. He’s from SA and reminds me of people I know. On the other hand it’s a cliche attempt at trying to stir up controversy without truly understanding racism and the depths it reaches. I think there are good intentions behind his work. But the second something doesn’t fit his narrative it’s “ruining art”. I think some self reflection on privilege is needed. The book is a bit disjointed and feels rushed at the end. You can almost feel his enthusiasm leave as the final pages turn. I dunno. I really wanted to like this one.
This was such a pleasant read. I still remember my reaction when I was walking home from Footscray station and saw this very poster (the cover of this book) and thought to myself: that was such a strong statement.
I’m glad to be able to read the stories behind the poster. I enjoyed reading about his struggles and success in many more posters that most Australians would recognise seeing at some points in 2010s.
I’m glad to be able to read the stories behind the poster. I enjoyed reading about his struggles and success in many more posters that most Australians would recognise seeing at some points in 2010s.
4 1/2 stars- this was not the read I was expecting. It was very personal, reflective and honest and for that reason I think people will find it relatable at different levels. I think there are some details about his personal life I didn’t think we needed to know. It made me feel uncomfortable - but then that’s what honesty does sometimes. As a parent of teenagers, I felt for his parents - I felt exposed, it’s hard work being a parent - while also as a daughter/sibling I could empathise with his family frustrations but also the ‘normalcy’ of his family dynamics. This life!!
I would have liked to read a little more about his choices for the people in his photos and I also wanted to know more about the people he encountered during his travels and their reactions.
I think Peter Drew underestimates the impact of his art, his work, his actions. The book reflects his humanity and honesty - characteristics we all need to aspire to.
Keep on keeping on - your art bears witness to what has gone before and raises people’s consciousness that what comes next is up to each and every one of us.
I would have liked to read a little more about his choices for the people in his photos and I also wanted to know more about the people he encountered during his travels and their reactions.
I think Peter Drew underestimates the impact of his art, his work, his actions. The book reflects his humanity and honesty - characteristics we all need to aspire to.
Keep on keeping on - your art bears witness to what has gone before and raises people’s consciousness that what comes next is up to each and every one of us.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
He addresses racism in Australia
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Straight-forward book about the journey that Peter Drew had as he has been developing his art and the paste-ups that have gone viral. It is a book that seems to want to go deeper, but that family commitments and it being quite contemporaneous prevented. If you are interested in street art, an artist's process and want the backstory on Pete's work you will enjoy it. If you haven't seen his paste-ups, I don't know if it will resonate as a stand-alone book.