Old wartime fuel tanks provide a canvas for graffiti/street artists
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (380445)
Rockingham, Australia
May 23, 2026 1:35am CST
In bushland near Albany on West Australia’s south coast are seven abandoned wartime fuel tanks that were once vital wartime infrastructure. The towering concrete walls of these tanks are now providing a canvas for street/graffiti artists from around the world.
This secluded site had just about been forgotten about but now, inside and out, the walls are covered in colourful artwork. Once in danger of demolition, the tanks will now be preserved because of their historical significance.
The artwork in the article I read doesn’t appeal to me but that’s okay. The link to the article is: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-23/wwii-fuel-tank-street-art-great-southern-albany/106710754.
I don’t have a photo of any of the artwork but the one at the top is mine and was taken in Melbourne.
12 people like this
12 responses
I agree, I have some really nice street art, but this is not art in my opinion.
@wolfgirl569 (134819)
• Marion, Ohio
4h
Glad they will be preserving the tanks. A lot of street art doesn't appeal to me. But I have also seen some very nice ones
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
I'm not sure what it's saying but you have to admire the skill.
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
That's about exactly what my son said. They need somewhere to practise.
@LindaOHio (221487)
• United States
7h
Here in the US people paint all kinds of graffiti on railroad cars. Some of it is really amazing.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40832)
• Philippines
5h
The artwork displayed there appears to be one of the most modern graffiti designs. While it does not personally appeal to me, I recognize that there may be a generational gap in appreciating such styles, as creating this type of art requires considerable skill. I hope the government will preserve the building, as it has played an important role in history and holds significant cultural contributions.
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
I agree with you. Personally, I don't like this type of 'art' but, as you say, it's probably all about the generational gap.
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
8h
I suppose it's a legitimate artform but the artists have trouble finding areas where they create.
@changjiangzhibin89 (17227)
• China
8h
It brings the secluded site alive and it is possible that the site will become a popular tourist destination.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
It has brought attention to the tanks which are part of the history of the place.
@just4him (323109)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
Just now
It's good they'll preserve those abandoned wartime fuel tanks.
@AliCanary (4342)
•
9h
I think graffiti art is very cool and interesting as long as it's actual artwork and not just "tagging" - writing one's name simply to mark and deface something. As long as they have a good "camvas" and they aren't creating an eyesore or vandalizing, I'm all for it.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
8h
There is some much prettier street art around in my opinion. This is another one from Melbourne.
