Ihwa Mural Village Sleeps with the Fishes: A Wiseguy’s initial impressions – Assessment

A little context

Ok, there is a really interesting story behind this artwork and its eventual demise. Ihwa Mural Village, located in Seoul is a place that has needed a facelift for a good while. Over time the area was slowly deteriorating due to neglect from both locals and the council. Poor living conditions and poor residents have only perpetuated the decline. The place was a wreck and everyone knew it, so the local government set out on a mission (from god )They planned to install artworks from around 70 street artists to give the place some much needed tender lovin’ care and hopefully create some commerce around the area. After a great deal of hard work, what do you know? SUCCESS… The initiative was a hit, and had people coming in by the hundreds to view the newly installed art pieces. Here are some examples

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Representation and perception

The piece that came to define the mural village was known as the ‘Fish Staircase’ that you see above. Why? In oriental culture, Koi fish represent overcoming adversity. This comes from their ability to swim up waterfalls and against currents. The fish in the image are swimming up steps. Similar, hey? As the town its self has transitioned from a dump to a mini cultural hub against adversity, it seems fitting that the painting would become its signifier. Art has mimicked life.

An ‘Unofficial’ attraction

In a very ironic twist of fate though, the image was painted over because the locals were sick of all the crowds, noise, vandalism and general disregard for the local community. Unfortunately, the un-smart travellers, (aka tourists) had to ruin it for everyone. Although the image does not exist anymore, it was expressed as an ‘unofficial’ tourist attraction because of the narrative that it invoked within the community and with visitors alike. Cool story, right? Go give the place a visit, there is nothing in in Melbourne that compares to a mural village. Get some culture in you.