so i was really intrigued when i came across an artist who creates what he calls “reverse graffiti”. paul “moose” curtis creates stencils which he places against dirty city walls after which he and his team wash and scrub away the dirt to leave behind a “negative” image which is really lovely and makes quite a statement. it’s also environmentally friendly!!
here’s a quick video bio of the artist . . .
and here’s a project he just did in san francisco’s broadway tunnel . . .
for more about the artist and his projects visit the reverse graffiti project website.
4 comments:
Steven, I haven't yet looked at any of the videos, but I wanted to make this comment before I forgot.
In addition to the Killroy (sp?) "I was here" graffiti, there's a whole lot of it (at least here in Houston) that is gang-related ... some sort of "marking one's territory," as it were. VERY dangerous stuff!
All that being said, I would like to add that it has been my personal observation, if it appears that an artist (or artists) has (have) attempted to beautify the exterior of a building by painting a mural (or ANYthing pretty that is not gang-related), it somehow becomes sacrosanct and remains inviolate. I find a little comfort in that knowledge. (Not much, but a 'little'.)
some more thoughts on graffiti. i remember as a boy in england that the tramps ("hobos"), would leave chalkmark tags on doorways, pavements, wherever they could alert their mates that there was someone kind (or not), behind a certain door.
the gang-related tagging probably has roots going back to the behaviour of other mammals who leave their mark to delineate territory. i am open to the work that people do that creates somethingt beautiful out of something plain or ugly. it's also useful to remember, a lot of it is done with spray cans which does require a considerable amount of dexterity and forethought if you're going to do anything truly spectactular so my hat's off to them.
My 'hat is off' to NO one who would deface property that does not belong to them! On this topic, Steven, I believe that we will probably agree to permanently disagree!
well! my first mildly contentious post!! it only took 498 posts which i figure given my penchant for chafing people is pretty good actually. my thinking about what is nominally written off as "graffiti" was way way far away from the munky mung that is pasted all over alleyways or on office buildings which is the creative equivalent of junk food and more in the realm of the true artists who end up having their work shown at m.o.m.a. or similarly sterling facilities. i wish i could think of the name of one guy whose work i really love. when i find it i'll write an entry about him and perhaps you'll see what i mean. have a peaceful rest of this summer day! steven
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