Documenting the end of notorious Kings Cross as a hub for nightlife and entertainment, Fading Red Light of The Cross intends to present the decline of the suburb’s red light district. ‘Death of the Golden Mile’, an eight-metre long recreation of Darlinghurst Road accompanied by a collection of drawing studies, explores the contemporary social and political forces shaping Kings Cross’ character.

 Illustrating the impact of long-term gentrification and recent state policies curbing nightlife activity in Kings Cross, the body of work depicts the neon-lit bars, clubs, sex arcade and adult-oriented institutions that are rapidly deteriorating. Spanning tensions between bored sex workers, desperate promoters, washed-up drug users, underworld crooks, militant cops, apathetic bystanders and an array of unsavoury characters that wander the ‘Golden Mile’, the artwork reveals how the red light district is becoming obsolete. Highlighting a shift in residential demographics, it reveals transforming social attitudes and trends that stress the taming of a place that has long served as relief valve for society’s wilder side.

Inspiration for the body of work was drawn from many days and nights spent wandering the streets of The Cross. Documenting the people and places that form it’s character, fieldwork drawings and photographs were used to inform the large-scale painting. By portraying Kings Cross’ diminishing long running appeal of ‘sex and smut’, I hope the project captures an important social change in the suburb’s recent history.

ARTIST BIO

Immersing himself in the diverse worlds of his subjects, Sydney artist Lachie Hinton strives to illustrate the fundamentals of human nature. Exploring social and political forces in contemporary society and culture, his imagery reveals an emotive interpretation of experience that offers insights into the human condition. 

Hinton is inspired to communicate ideas and stories through his subjects. These motivations lead him to observe and document themes concerning social issues, political oppression, popular culture, identity, sexuality and the perils and attractions of city life.

With a fluid drawing style that is dynamic in form, his art is concerned with the emotional experience of people and places. Hinton began drawing from as early as he can remember where his expression of figuration came naturally. Often working with ink, graphite, charcoal and oil, his stylized compositions seek to analyse aspects of humanity.