Melbourne-based street artist fights right-wing populism

For many in Australia, Pauline Hanson is a symbol of modern racism and a local variant of European Geert Wilders, Marine Le Pen, Nigel Farage or American Donald Trump. Her face appeared on a political mural in Melbourne, but Ms Hanson’s supporters may be upset, as a bulldog, the mascot of the local football club, is depicted urinating on her.

The mural was created by Van T Rudd on the wall of a building in Melbourne. He says he didn’t have permission from the local council, but he doesn’t care about it. Rudd talked to the owner of the building, and the latter liked the idea of having a mural on his wall.

“I wanted to show that racism and extreme right-wing politics won't be tolerated in Melbourne's west. And shouldn't be tolerated anywhere of course,” Rudd wrote on his Facebook page.

Artist and activist Van T Rudd is the nephew of former prime minster Kevin Rudd. He earlier created protest works against transport company Connex for its ties with Israel and against racism, when he dressed in a Klu Klux Klan outfit on Australia Day 2010.

Pauline Hanson’s party continues to grow, which demonstrates a right-wing trend in Australian society. The bulldog in Rudd’s mural is the mascot of the local football club Western Bulldogs, popular in the Melbourne neighbourhood where the artwork was painted. Footscray is a suburb known for its racial and ethnic diversity and multiculturalism.