http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/1405229/disqualification-a-sad-day-for-mural-fest/?cs=87
There are about 4 or 5 stories about this event....
Just curious. it seems like an over the top reaction to me. One that will damage the reputation of the event within the arts community.
COMPETITORS at this year's Mural Fest have expressed their commiserations over the disqualification of artist Christian Griffiths.
Former Mural Fest co-ordinator and 2013 artist Leanne Tamas said Mr Griffiths was a highly skilled and sought-after artist and his presence at the international festival would be missed.
``It's really disappointing for the festival really,'' Ms Tamas said.
``It's sad for a young artist [like Mr Griffiths]. He promoted it [Mural Fest] and it's sad for the event that something like this has happened. [See the gallery here.]
``He will never come back.''
Ms Tamas said the decision made by Mr Griffiths to use his own aerosol can paint for his mural did not affect her and her artist partner John Eathorne.
Mr Griffiths was escorted from Mural Park on Monday by a police officer after claims the disqualified artist and former winner of the competition was causing a disturbance to the other competitors.
Ms Tamas, whose mural is only one station away from Mr Griffiths' former space rejected those claims.
``He didn't really bother us. Everyone works in their own space,'' she said.
Directly next to Mr Griffiths' former space, mural competitor Patricia Kirkcaldy said she was sad to see an empty space in the competition but said it was essential that Mr Griffiths adhered to the terms and conditions of the competition.
Ms Kirkcaldy said she had been a little distressed by the incident and was a lot happier now the issue had been resolved.
``He did cause a bit of a disturbance. It's a lot more relaxed here today,'' she said.
Ms Kirkcaldy said she didn't think the incident had affected the spirit of Mural Fest and was looking forward to the next few days working on her mural.
``Not one other artist has complained about the paint. It's actually better quality [than previous years].''
