Footscray multi-disciplinary artist and printmaker Sally Walshe, a.k.a Lady Mohawk, is taking part in Sleepless 2024 – an after-dark independent music and arts festival taking over her suburb in May.
Now in its third year, Sleepless 2024 is all about showcasing the thriving music and art culture that exists in Melbourne’s West.
The two-week festival kicks off on May 4, and is supported by Maribyrnong City Council and Moondog Brewery. It’s where you’ll find immersive experiences, theatre, comedy, film screenings and art installations held in unlikely places.
Lady Mohawk takes over an empty shop front for a performance titled Perhaps it’ll be the Death of Me. She talks to The Write Drop for our At The Bar Series.
MY CITY
I’ve lived in Footscray for 10 years, and I have a mohawk – so can’t live anywhere else! I road my bike through here 20 years ago and fell in love. It’s the only suburb that keeps my attention and interest long enough. I’m never bored when walking down the street. What else do you need? The food and people are amazing, it’s got a great sense of community and perfectly eclectic.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
The chicken liver pate that looks like a mandarin/orange I ate at Dinner by Heston is a standout memory. I do love an experience. But I also love a spaghetti marinara from Pellegrini’s. I’ve been going here ever since I was a child with mum. Now I visit with her and my son. It’s a layered sentimental memory now – same decor and same simple but authentic food. There is also a pang of sadness there too now.
FAVOURITE BAR
I used to drink a lot of negronis and favourite local bars I loved visiting include Littlefoot, West Footscray Wines , Mr West, Bar Josephines, Hop Nation or Kindred Studios.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Definitely a spirit. Probably a negroni – sweet, but tart and packs a punch. Also maybe a whisky – straight to the point. There’s no small talk if you’re a spirit but we are lots of fun!
INTERSTATE BAR
I love Sonny’s in Hobart. My favourite experiences are when I can transport myself somewhere else. Sonny does that. It’s a beautiful intimate dining experience.
FAVOURITE WINE
Anything red! I used to have beautiful boozy nights with my friends.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Waratah Hills Winery. In the undiscovered South Gippsland region, close to fish creek and the beautiful beaches in South Gippsland.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’d love an art residency in Rome, Italy or somewhere in Spain.
WHAT HAVE YOU CREATED FOR SLEEPLESS FESTIVAL
A six-hour performance piece, installation and some art in the Sleepless Festival called ‘Perhaps it’ll be the death of me’. It’s exploring how artists are underfunded and under-appreciated in our society. Nobody wants to pay artists, but they want art everywhere. As artists, if we don’t do art, we die inside. So, it’s a necessary compromise. For my piece, I’m also interviewing local creatives about their experiences in being an artist in and around Footscray. I love doing work that is bigger than me. Connecting with others is important too. I will have these interviews on loop for people to watch.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
I love the concept and enjoy the idea of creating a work that suits the theme and includes collaborating with other artists to activate an empty shop front. I love experimenting and stretching my art practice too. I want Footscray to have a thriving, interesting and diverse art here. I also have sleep issues, so it’s a perfect fit.
https://www.sleeplessfestival.com/festival-programme
