There are two distinct types of 'Graffiti'. One might be better described as 'Street Art', and the other as 'Scrawl'. I am a big fan of good examples of the former, but I cannot stand the pointless 'tags' that now sully walls almost everywhere the world over.
There are some very good public paintings around us here; including Banksy's famous kissing policemen. This one below is very nearby, and is beautifully painted.
Also nearby is this perfect example of 'scrawl' (below) which is found in a back ally behind a row of shops. I presume it is designed to make an area look run-down and derelict. As soon as they are painted over, they reappear.
I do remember being in Aix en Provence back in the late 70's when graffiti was still in its infancy; we had gone to collect some rather special stone from a nearby quarry, and passed an hour or two walking around the town and having something to eat. Aix is a beautiful town (one of the most beautiful in Southern France) and is built from a pale honey coloured, hard, stone. I was horrified to see that some idiots had begun spraying their 'tags' over the facades of very chic shops, restaurants, etc. It was a shock, and had already begun to make the place look shabby. It was a terrible shame.
There are some superb examples of 'Street Art' around Brighton, some quite exceptional. I may show a few other at a later date; but for the moment enjoy the doggy!
p.s. The first graffiti I remember seeing was in London's Underground (The Tube) in the mid 60's. The single word 'Toots' appeared on walls all over the place. I soon learnt that this referred to 'Toots and the Maytals'; a Reggae band. Some serious fan had been at work!
My Canadian community is awash with wonderful street art and murals. My late husband appears in one as a representative of youth in sport circ. 1970s
ReplyDeleteThere are some wonderful examples here in Brighton (I presume they're still there). I shall take some photos.
DeleteI look forward to seeing them!
DeleteI guess you are not keen on the word mural to describe street art. Nevertheless, the mural is cleverly done, right down to the gaps between the stones near presumably the artists name.
ReplyDeleteThe worst graffiti I've seen, and we have our fair share here, was entering Paris by Eurostar. Since then I've seen videos of other European cities with really bad graffiti to be seen from trains entering cities, though Paris beats them. It doesn't give a first good impression.
I presume the Parisian graffiti was of the 'scrawl' variety. It makes anywhere look run-down.
DeleteThe dog is just brilliant. Looking forward to seeing some more of your local artwork!
ReplyDeleteI haven't actually been down to where it used to be, so I hope it's still there. I'll take photos if it is.
DeleteI was shocked when I first went to Venice 25 years ago. graffiti everywhere. Now I take it for granted in every European city. Lisbon was also one of the worst I have seen.
ReplyDeleteSome (like the dog above) can be superb, but others just make the place look like a scrap yard. I don't understand the appeal for those who just spray squiggles everywhere.
Delete"... the appeal for those who just spray squiggles everywhere."
DeleteWell, Cro, might be primal. Leaving our mark. You know, like dogs and cats marking their territory (albeit not with paint).
U
If only the rain would wash away the Scrawl, as it does the pee.
DeleteI see that you say the dog "isn't where it used to be". I just had a look on Google street view, and a year ago it was a rather dull seascape. I assumed that the dog was new?
ReplyDeleteNot the dog, I meant other works that used to be in a particular area. I shall go down to have a look.
DeleteI love the dog. I was stopped at a train crossing a couple months ago, and there were well over a hundred cars on the thing, and I watched these tankers go by, one after another, after another, and nearly all of them were 'tagged'. Some of the tags were quite artistic. Some were just scrawled names. I found myself really wondering about the painters, if they had a hunger to be someplace else, but couldn't, for whatever reason. For a moment, I had a glimpse of why someone might tag things. But buildings? They stay where they are. As someone else pointed out, sort of like a dog marking its territory. I don't get it, myself but I love the street art.
ReplyDeleteThe dog is beautifully painted. There does seem to be some spray involved, but it's mostly fine brushwork. It's as good from two feet as from twenty metres.
DeleteThat Baskerville Hound is brilliant. It jumped right at me. GULP.
ReplyDeleteThe only place I do welcome graffiti, any, I don't care, are on subways or industrial estates. Those drab, dreary scapes. Give me colour, any, scribbles, to make me feel less like caught in some concrete labyrinth without soul.
The, to me, best known graffiti "Clapton is God" somewhere in London, ca 1960s. I actually know people who saw it for real, live as it were. And in awe.
U
I expect 'Clapton is God' was removed, and is now hanging on Clapton's wall.
DeleteI apologise for my mischief earlier this morning and hope you will forgive me.
DeleteFor me, street art always seems out-of-place. The scale is often off. I'm sure the quality of some street art reflects great talent and outstanding technique. I just do not care for art on outside walls and buildings. That said, canvases in museums and galleries are always much enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteHad the dog been painted on canvas, it would probably have commanded a good 4 figure sum. Whether or not he was paid to create it; I have no idea.
DeleteAgree about the dog - it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNice, isn't it. I was quite shocked when I first saw it.
DeleteThe dog is amazing.
ReplyDeleteA very good bit of painting, and for all to enjoy.
DeleteRome and Athens have huge amounts of tagging. Where as there is amazing street art in Glasgow. Superb stuff
ReplyDeleteThere is good work everywhere, but sadly there is far more of the other.
DeleteGood street art is enjoyable and brightens the spirit. Pity about the other kind
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly.
DeleteMy favorite graffiti is on train cars (like Debbie mentioned). When stuck at the railroad crossing, it is interesting to watch the styles of color graffiti passing by on the train cars rolling by... Helps pass the time.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Train Co's could have a competition. One carriage for each artist, and the best submitted design wins. That way the quality of work might improve.
DeleteMurals in Brighton w/ Mick Mowgli - YouTube. This is the artist who painted the dog.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy street art and think the dog is fabulous, but abhor the tags.
ReplyDelete