Movember Foundation reveals graffiti mural of Hamish and Andy for May Eight campaign
The Movember Foundation has commissioned a graffiti mural of Hamish Blake and Andy Lee for its fourth annual May Eight campaign.
The campaign addresses men’s mental health, encouraging them to take the time out and catch up with a mate in three simple steps: “Step up. Catch Up. Speak Up.”
The comedic duo were chosen to feature in the mural – located in Melbourne’s iconic Hosier Lane – due to their notoriety as Australia’s greatest mates.
A spokesperson from the Movember Foundation said in a statement: “We chose to celebrate Hamish and Andy this May Eight as two of Australia’s most iconic mates. Their mateship that has endured the public spotlight for more than 16 years, they’ve been there for each other through thick and thin and are obviously very comfortable and open in their mateship – not all mates could hang out with their Pants-Off every Friday.
“This is the kind of mateship we’d encourage all guys to nurture, and they can start this May 8 with a simple conversation.”
According to the Movember Foundation’s research, one in five 18 to 24 year-old men wouldn’t have anyone to turn to if they were going through a tough time. The study also found that half of the 500 men surveyed said they wanted to spend more time with their mates, and one third stated they had not made any new close mates in the last two years.
Brendan Maher, global director of mental health and suicide prevention at the Movember Foundation said: “It’s not just older men who are at risk of becoming socially isolated or lonely. Even young men – who on the surface may appear to be more connected – can struggle to maintain relationships with their mates.”
The mural was created by street artist Ling, and took 17 hours to complete. Ling said the he had a personal connection to the cause as mental health issues have impacted his friends and the artistic community.
“I’ve had mates that have gone through tough times and I’m becoming increasingly aware of being mindful of that. Often times when I’ve had mates go through tough times, they just haven’t had the confidence to bring it up themselves. For me, it’s about just checking in and having those open conversations. It’s often just that the right conversation hasn’t been had or the right question hasn’t been asked,” Ling said.
“This is very much an issue in the creative space, something which I’ve seen amongst much of the community. They go through a tough time and they don’t reach out. Basically, if you think they’re a little off, take the time to actually ask if they’re doing okay and check in with them.”
Just a tip.
It’s not graffiti if there’s no letterform. Printed letters don’t count.
This, is only street art.
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Great concept, but geez he struggled with Hamish.
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