Graffiti – Not Always a Bad Thing
Apart from signalling the collapse of civillised society as we know it, graffiti also exists as a legitimate art form. Banksy is currently the most famous proponent of this particular skill, but I rather unjustly dismissed him out of hand when he first began to gain notoriety. Basically, the sort of people I always heard talking about him were the sort of people who were so carefully positioned at the windswept bleeding edge of alternative culture that I have long since developed a nervous twitch (often manifesting itself as something curiously resembling a punch in the head) whenever they start waffling on about anything, anything that is Quite. This. Cool. Personal prejudices aside, however, a pal of mine was given a Banksy book by his missus recently and I had a quick flip through it, and hastily ate my words. He really is talented. Just go and browse his website for a bit – you won’t be disappointed.
Most relevantly to this post I can’t help but notice that, as with other art forms, although most often ones which happen to be internet based, there are a surprising number of people out there willing to give us the benefit of their time and skills for absolutely nothing. I never cease to be amazed by the blogosphere, not by the vast mountains of dross which undeniably exist out here, but by the surprising number of really high quality writers and thinkers who so happily give away their time and thoughts for free.
Applying this to the graffiti I began the post talking about, the pictures accompanying this post are taken from a little electrical switching station thingy very near where I live. This horrendous act of vandalism and lack of respect for public property – snigger, sorry – this selfless donation of someone’s time, effort and really excellent illustration skills really impresses me. Why has he/she bothered? There’s no signature, no glory to be had, but every time I walk past this otherwise nondescript grey box I am impressed and cheered up by the quality and the impudence of these three little pieces of work.
Hooray for vandals!
Maximo Park – Graffiti
And yes, we will sing to you in French:
Marianne Dissard – Les Confettis
This is a very delicate song, so listen to it in the evening in peace. To buy the rest of the album – it’s gorgeous, by the way, so I heartily recommend it – go to her website, here. Joey Burns of Calexico fame wrote a lot of the music, if that helps convince you, and Marianne sang on their brilliant song The Ballad of Cable Hogue.
I have been following street art for about two years now, and I definitely agree with your assessment of him. He was the artist that introduced me to the world of graffiti. I found many artists since then (my favorites being Akay, 108, and Swoon), and I really began to think of him as a sellout. But recently his pranks have reminded me of the spirit of street art and why I love walls as a medium, so my appreciation of him has now returned.
I am a complete acolyte as far as street art is concerned – I have no skills and absolutely no knowledge. I like Banksy because despite the hype he clearly has a lot of traditional artistic skills – let’s face it, the man can really draw. And if someone has such talent who am I to criticise?
I’ll definitely look up your suggestions though. Quality graffiti artists have a rare talent if you ask me.
Me no like grafitti art of any sort.
Me do like your french singer
JC, I’m surprised at you. Banksy has both skills and a message. This is actual, genuine art in anyone’s book.
The lad whose pictures I’ve posted above has turned a shitty grey electrical substation into a canvas. None of this degrades my daily life in any way at all – in fact quite the opposite.
And as to Marianne Dissard, well apart from the almighty beating I’d get from Mrs. Toad (actually, it sounds quite appealing when I put it that way – Rrrrr.. spank me, Mam’selle!) I’d admit to having something of a dusky French blog-crush on Miss Dissard. It’s a lovely, lovely album.