Good as Gold
One mad night in 1985, an invitation by Colin Brearley to "go and do some drawings" began multi-instrumentalist and goldsmith Markus Davidson's career as a Melbourne cultural icon.
Five spray cans and two hours later, all four sides of the underpass at St Kilda junction were covered in graffiti.
"We just threw down these giant forms, like brontosauruses, huge banana men... it was incredible. I just stood back and went "Fuck!" It was a huge realisation," Markus said.
The decorative partnership developed solidly over the next three years.
Several basic figures were refined and repeated thousands of times. Markus' contributions to the partnership were Funnel Man, Cone Man, Double Cat (based on the view from the West Gate Bridge), Box Cocky and Wacky Television Man. Colin's work was of a similar style, so as the graffiti spread throughout Melbourne and Adelaide, many people assumed the work was that of one person.
Urban art is a risky game, particularly on such a large scale. Over three years, Markus was charged five times. The lightest penalty was a $60 fine.
"The magistrate had a laugh, he'd seen them, He said they had artistic merit and said 'Take it easy'," Markus recalled.
By the fifth bust, Markus* work had attracted a street credibility that led to commissions from Razor Nightclub, the Lounge, Club 243, and a nice-paying gig at the showgrounds in 1989.
Vicarious recognition came when the figures were ripped off for the backdrop to The Factory on Channel 2 and Double Cat appeared in a Chiko Roll advert.
"They just took them, but that was fine... we're not a commercial group."
The figures were also targetted by other groups. Even the International Socialists took umbrage, actively covering the work. "This blonde-haired, blue-eyed arsehole was telling me my drawings were fascist!"
I The last few years have seen occasional returns from retirement, with ten foot Funnel Men decorating the interior of a dry dock at the launch of Interior, and some fashion work, but Markus' commitment is to his jewellery. The latest edition of Pataphysics features one of his rings, decorated by hallmarks - jewellers' stamps - including a miniature Funnel Man and Double Cat. The stamps were made for him by George from Bachelors from Prague - a toolmaker by trade.
How the figures exist as far as semiotics are concerned, and what they mean to Markus has never been formally debated. Is there some simple explanation?
"Certainly not... we're talking War and Peace!" images markus & chris dodds • words frank lysori