Wednesday, April 28, 2004
This is yet another column I wrote for LOUD. It originally ran without the pictures (which you can view by clicking the links).
Felonious Expression
Disclaimer: Neither I nor the owners and publishers of LOUD Magazine condone the act of self-expression known as “vandalism,” or more colloquially referred to as graffiti. It presents a serious nuisance to those people who own the canvases that graffiti artists chose to express themselves with; it is illegal, often dangerous; and usually really poorly done.
Those of you who know me know that the last part of that statement is what really chaps me. Yes, graffiti is bad. However, bad graffiti is just plain horrible. On the other hand, good graffiti can be great. For example, the late lamented Graffiti Bridge on Western was an Oklahoma City icon… until it was torn down and (mostly) forgotten. While I was in Paris, I enjoyed the murals that appeared in the Metro tunnels almost as much as the convenience of the trains themselves. And recently, I have been exposed to some nice work here in our own backyard.
Specifically, there are some great examples of “self-expression” appearing on train cars arriving in our fair city at the train yard at Santa Fe and Broadway. I’m not sure what types of paint these people use, or who they are, but they are good at what they do.
The group that I was introduced to features several very interesting pieces. There is a tagged billboard poll nearby, and a bunch of BNSF train cars (look for BNSF 406632… if you’re looking, which I don’t condone!).
[Photo]
Nearby, you’ll find several train cars adorned with cryptic images and unintelligible words that looks more like a Maori tattoo pattern than text.
[Photo] [Photo] [Photo]
What makes these words and images worthy of note is the skill and eloquence with which they have been executed. Notable amongst them is a piece I call “SPLOR,” since that word was written right next to it. It is a disembodied, stylized white head floating on the green background of BN250195. The eyes stare blankly ahead, and my mind wanders to the sights that “SPLOR” sees as it travels its path through the country. Unfortunately, this type of art is not always claimed by the artist as that could land an artist in jail, so I cannot give praise to the author. There are some graffitists, though, whose main goal is making a name for themselves, and ensuring that as many people as possible know that name. That type of graffiti is what I generally refer to as “bad.” It is usually uninteresting to look at and poorly executed.
[Photo]
On the other hand, “EMPOWER” stands out because it is executed well, visually interesting and uplifting. It is simply the word EMPOWER, with the right side of the W turning into an arrow pointing upwards. I felt genuinely inspired when I saw that. It is not the aggrandizing “taggery” that plagues local businesses and clutters up our city. Instead, it is different, positive, and new. And unfortunately, it will be gone from our lives before most of us have a chance to enjoy it.
- - -
Seth Joseph can be reached at moontos@yahoo.com
Photos by Jenna Moan
Felonious Expression
Disclaimer: Neither I nor the owners and publishers of LOUD Magazine condone the act of self-expression known as “vandalism,” or more colloquially referred to as graffiti. It presents a serious nuisance to those people who own the canvases that graffiti artists chose to express themselves with; it is illegal, often dangerous; and usually really poorly done.
Those of you who know me know that the last part of that statement is what really chaps me. Yes, graffiti is bad. However, bad graffiti is just plain horrible. On the other hand, good graffiti can be great. For example, the late lamented Graffiti Bridge on Western was an Oklahoma City icon… until it was torn down and (mostly) forgotten. While I was in Paris, I enjoyed the murals that appeared in the Metro tunnels almost as much as the convenience of the trains themselves. And recently, I have been exposed to some nice work here in our own backyard.
Specifically, there are some great examples of “self-expression” appearing on train cars arriving in our fair city at the train yard at Santa Fe and Broadway. I’m not sure what types of paint these people use, or who they are, but they are good at what they do.
The group that I was introduced to features several very interesting pieces. There is a tagged billboard poll nearby, and a bunch of BNSF train cars (look for BNSF 406632… if you’re looking, which I don’t condone!).
[Photo]
Nearby, you’ll find several train cars adorned with cryptic images and unintelligible words that looks more like a Maori tattoo pattern than text.
[Photo] [Photo] [Photo]
What makes these words and images worthy of note is the skill and eloquence with which they have been executed. Notable amongst them is a piece I call “SPLOR,” since that word was written right next to it. It is a disembodied, stylized white head floating on the green background of BN250195. The eyes stare blankly ahead, and my mind wanders to the sights that “SPLOR” sees as it travels its path through the country. Unfortunately, this type of art is not always claimed by the artist as that could land an artist in jail, so I cannot give praise to the author. There are some graffitists, though, whose main goal is making a name for themselves, and ensuring that as many people as possible know that name. That type of graffiti is what I generally refer to as “bad.” It is usually uninteresting to look at and poorly executed.
[Photo]
On the other hand, “EMPOWER” stands out because it is executed well, visually interesting and uplifting. It is simply the word EMPOWER, with the right side of the W turning into an arrow pointing upwards. I felt genuinely inspired when I saw that. It is not the aggrandizing “taggery” that plagues local businesses and clutters up our city. Instead, it is different, positive, and new. And unfortunately, it will be gone from our lives before most of us have a chance to enjoy it.
- - -
Seth Joseph can be reached at moontos@yahoo.com
Photos by Jenna Moan
