Elgin St

One of my work in process folio projects this year, focusing on the culture of fitzroy, and youth culture in general:

Elgin Street, Fitzroy, is situated in the middle of the current epicenter of Melbourne's alternative culture. An area filled with significant galleries, boutiques and little off-beat bars and cafes, which bring artists, students, musicians, and grunge lovers in droves. This unofficial subculture, over the decades, has grown from Nick Cave drinking at the Punters Club; only for young kids years later to move to Fitzroy, trying to live that same Rock Star dream. This is the place for the edgy crowd, for the artists and dreamers. A place where if your tights aren't ripped you must be from the other side of the river, where pass outs from pubs become permanent tattoos, where 'Savers' replaces Myers, where pouring half finished beers on your mates head is a greeting not a fight and where black clothes aren't reserved for waitresses or funerals.

The Manhouse, as it is known, in Elgin Street, fits the mould. The boys, who are known for throwing a good party or two, have it down pat. The invites are made, valuables taped down, the DJ booth set up, a bathtub of beer and goon are out the back. 88 Elgin Street's door is open for all, and they're ready for another Saturday night.

The place is filled with op shop outfits and designer-disheveled Gen Y. Unwashed, but perfectly cut and groomed hair styles on guys who proceed to scull a beer, while Petite Girls with tattoo's enter carrying a cask of goon, and stylish guys with faux glasses roll cigarettes on the couch out the front.

This story isn't about extremists, or hardcore addicts. It isn't about the outlandish 'wild child', or the social implications of designer drugs and alcohol. It's about an average Saturday night in Fitzroy, that any kids that side of the river will experience on any average weekend throughout the year. It's about the Manhouse being your house; it's a look at Fitzroy, and the art of the house party.