Projects :: Grafitti
Grafitti, the writing on the wall, represents a controversial art form, often used to communicate social and political views. On the one hand, it's free expression that is accessible to anyone in the public. As such, we should fight to protect it, so that we can protect free expression. However, some people see it as the defacing of property by through the use of spray paint, markers and other materials. Many states have passed laws making it a crime for grafitti artists to practice their art.
In recent years, grafitti art has entered the fine arts world as demonstrated by Basquiat and Banksy, whose grafitti art fetched top dollars in galleries around the world. It is ultra cool to be a rebel. It is even more cool to have something to say. Say it publicly. Say it loudly.
Banksy Subverts Paris Hilton
With Paris Hilton singing "That's Hot" repeatedly and video of her striking a pose, Banksy sets out to question people's fascination with celebrity and the ways the consumers build them up. He takes Paris' self-titled debut cd and posted his subversive messages in them. On the cover stick, the songs listed read: "Why am I Famous?" "What Have I done?" and What Am I For?" On the inside, Banksy states: "Every CD you buy puts me even further out of your league," "Thou shall not worship false icons," "Life wasn't meant to be fair," "90% of success if just showing up," "Race to the bottom of the pile," and "Every time someone asks me how I am I hesitate for a little bit too long."
It's guerilla art at its best. Banksy invites us to rethink the value of celebrity and the role each of us play into it. In posing these questions, Banksy boosts the celebrity of himself and Paris Hilton. They both understand self promotion well. View more grafitti.
Banksy - The Joy of Not Being Sold Anything
This video shows Banksy, the grafitti artist from the U.K., in a white hooded sweatshirt scribbling the statement, "The Joy of Not Being Sold Anything" on a blank billboard. He demonstrates the power of language in provoking thought and action. View more grafitti.
Robbie Conal Questions Democracy and Government
Robbie Conal, the guerilla poster artist, speaking from Mar Vista, CA, asks questions through his work and encourages others to do so. He wonders the role of government on all levels. Are the citizens really benefitting from government or does it have its own interests in mind. "Are we framing questions about power in the wrong way," he asks. The video shows his art. His drawings and paintings are skillfully implemented and are politically-charged. View more grafitti.
Marc Ecko Tags Air Force One
Marc Ecko tags Air Force One with the expression, "Still Free," one night. He shows his love for his art and fights for the right to free expression. Watch the stealthy operation. View more grafitti.
Marc Ecko, a grafitti artist, speaking candidly, explains the reasons behind his motivations for tagging of the Air Force One. He wants to open up dialogue regarding criminalizing grafitti, and advocates for everyone's right to free speech and expression. He speak out against strict laws that criminalizes free expression. Freedom is hard-won. Let's keep up the fight. Let's fight for people's right to grafitti. Let's fight to preserve this artistic expression. View more grafitti.
Light Criticism : Advertising = Grafitti
Graffiti Research Lab and Anti-Advertising Agency worked together to call attention to the vandalism of Fortune 500 advertising. The video points out that in 2007, we see 5000 ads a day. Using existing lit monitors on the streets of N.Y., they posted stenciled messages that read: Advertising = Grafitti, and N.Y.'s True Grafitti Problem. View more grafitti.
Peace Over Violence - Stenciling over Dirt
For those who thinks grafitti as destructive, here a solution from "Peace Over Violence" to remove dirt in the process grafitti. This way, people can clean up their environment and stake out territory at the same time. View more grafitti.