SYNC
Australia 1976

Untitled [yoda]. 2004
stencil
artist's proof , published state
Signed printed centre right within image 'SYN'. Not dated. Not titled.
printed image 77.1 (h) x 50.2 (w) cm
Gordon Darling Australia Pacific Print Fund 2007
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
NGA 2007.77.1
© Sync

In this stencil street artist Sync references globalised pop culture. Inherently, stencil art is a global art form – artists can easily travel across the globe because of the low tech materials they use. Stencils are fundamentally inexpensive and can be made from most paper, plastic or cardboard-based flat objects. Street artists can be nomadic; changing issues and interests to correspond with their location. Because of our global political economy, street artists are able to communicate and exchange ideas with each other internationally. This stencil, untitled [yoda] is designed innovatively to capture the attention and incite curiosity from an unsuspecting street audience.

Elements of pop culture are intrinsically short-lived; they are soon overtaken by the next ‘fad’. Street art is also inherently ephemeral – most works will soon be either painted over by authorities or sprayed over by other street artists competing for visual space. In this way, there is a conspicuously consumptive element within street art that mirrors the consumptive nature of society. Star Wars is also part of a consumerist schema, with merchandise and branding forming a multi-million dollar venture. By appropriating a Star Wars character, Sync rejects the idea of corporate ownership and branding. He is also reaching out to many other global street artists who have used Star Wars imagery. The striking and bold simplicity of colour and form within this image demonstrates Sync’s talent with his tools; stencils and spray cans.

Pip Lean