Before the Streetlights Come On

This original stencil painting by Melbourne artist Geoff Cunningham captures the nostalgic character of Australian neighbourhoods and everyday childhood moments of the 1970s and 80's. Geoff blends hand-cut stencils and layered spray techniques to create bold light, shadow and detail. Each piece celebrates the warmth, simplicity and familiarity of retro Australian life. There was something pretty special about being able to go to the local milk bar with a few coins in your pocket and buy yourself a generous bag of mixed lollies. This painting captures that moment at the end of the day, when the sky is starting to darken and you know you should probably be heading home. There’s plenty of nostalgia in it, but also something about that first small taste of independence - when the neighbourhood felt like yours and you were free to roam, as long as you were home before the streetlights came on! The painting was created using my hand-cut stencil and aerosol process and is part of my Summer Lovin’ series, although this one moves into a slightly moodier space. Acrylic & aerosol on canvas - 100 x 100cm, Framed in an oak floating frame