Even without our Macaulay ID, as New Yorkers, we have free access to one of the biggest museums, the borough of Brooklyn. As a New Yorker I sometimes realize that I am jaded to have access to some of the greatest art outlets in the world. It is sometimes a good idea to step back and realize though that art didn’t originate in museums, but rather it originates from everyday (talented) people. Yes, there is great art found in the MoMA, and the MET, but what about on the streets?
Jaime Rojo and Steven Harrington has taken this idea of street art, although I wish there was a classier name for it, and has compiled a video showcasing the art pieces that are seen every day, whether one is passing it on the train or just walking to get a slice of pizza. This street art genre, if you will, can be added to that never ending question in class of “what is art”. For me personally, this is art. The technique on some of the morals is incredible! If one would give me a can of spray paint or a bucket of paint, you would be lucky enough if I could write my name out clearly rather than it look like a combination of squiggly lines. Not only is there technique, but there is a thinking process to many of the art pieces. They aren’t just doodles; they require time to think what the piece should look like and how it can be connected with other works surrounding it.
The video itself has a touch of artistic genius inspired by the streets of Brooklyn itself. The soundtrack of the video is made up of sounds heard in Brooklyn and then mixed by electro duo Javelin.
Step back from being the art snob that would only look at the trendiest style and newest exhibit in the MoMA, and appreciate the art that surrounds you. Watching the video above might help you to realize the truly cultural and artistic land that you live, and to not just shrug off the next mural you see on the side of the street as some deadbeat with extra time on his hands.
Growing up in New York I completely agree with your view on art. I have seen some really great scenes painted across large walls on the streets and on shabby street ends. This is art that the city produces on its own. It is the creativity ad skill of the young lings that have far too much spare time on their hands. Or the “tripping” scenes painted into reality by users of hallucinating drugs like LSD or “shrooms.” The idea might sound pessimistic and make me sound like a cynic. But it does hold true to our findings. A lot of street art is produced by either gangs that are affiliated with drug dealings or by users themselves. I believe that this fact must not allow our appreciation of street art to dissolve. The messages that those paintings and writings send out are very strong and filled with great emotion.
An area in Queens our very own neighborhood has been put aside for graffiti artists to work and express themselves. It can be seen from the 7 train going towards Times Sq. The closest train station is the Queensboro Plaza and the building is called 5Pointz. The entire building is in ruins but it is completely covered in art from local, national and international graffiti artists. The product on whole is quite dramatic.
http://5ptz.com/graff/
“Step back from being the art snob”? My question is: is that possible once you’ve developed a sophisticated view of art?
I would argue that it’s difficult to rid yourself of, but I don’t think it’s a bad quality! For instance, if someone is going to graffiti on public buildings, which I’m not really in support of, I believe that these artists shouldn’t be able to exempt themselves from the art world critique that goes on inside a gallery. I would say that art is art, no matter where it is, and to an extent, I think it should all be viewed with same critical eye, even if one art form is “more sophisticated” than another. I believe that the typical art snob who walks into the Islamic art exhibit in the Met should not lose that critical eye when he walks out into the streets and sees a spray painted masterpiece in a back alley. If an artist is going to express himself, I think the expression is just as valid as the one in the Jewish Museum, the Met, etc.
So my advice would be to maintain the use of your developed, snobby, critical eye and not be swayed by the location of the art, whether it’s a galley or the back alley.
As a former Brooklynite, I found this post to be very intriguing and I also found many statements that I agree with. I agree that there is art found around us that must be appreciated and that street art should be thought of as a valid art field. Graffiti, if done properly, can turn out wonderfully, represent something meaningful, and some graffiti can even do some good. Such as reverse graffiti that actually removes dirt from surfaces in order to create art. Just take a look at this… http://www.urbanartcore.eu/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/moose-reverse-graffiti.jpg
It’s bettering cities, particularly large cities such as New York, and creating a lasting effect at the same time. I certainly encourage such art and applaud talented traditional graffiti artists as well. They should be given a chance to be publicized.
That is a stunning collection of street arts in Brooklyn. I have never walked around Brooklyn. After I read your post, I cannot wait to go there to check out by myself. New York City is a inherent big museum; you can see arts everywhere. That is one aspect that I like about New York City. It is only in New York City can you see these street arts everywhere. I did not see any similar stuff in my own hometown. New York City is such a great meeting place for artists. Artists show their passion, and express their thoughts freely here. Also, I like the music incorporated in this video. It is lively and dynamic, which is consonant with the dynamic art works shown in the video.
And I have a dream; it is about making all building in the city look beautiful, rather than in a dull color. These artist just complete my dream in some way.
I certainly agree with Zach on this one, yet I agree with Shane, too. As much as we have been exposed to more formal art forms and venues this semester, there is so much art present in everyday life, especially in New York City. Because of this, we should apply what we have learned to what we encounter on an everyday basis but not in an over-critical manner. Personally, I feel like this course has made me more of an art snob– but possibly more of a reversed one. For instance, I tend to gravitate toward less traditional art and music: the innovative, indie, folksy, pop-artsy, “weird” art that others shrug off. Do I like classical music and Renaissance paintings? Yes, but I prefer learning about and analyzing them from a more structured standpoint; whereas, with more modern art, I enjoy drawing my own conclusions and opinions. At the same time, some of the overly-trendy artwork bothers me, too. Even if I’m able to accurately define and categorize just what kind of artwork I gravitate towards one day, I want to keep my eyes and judgements open to what is around me. We will never be able to see if we walk around with closed eyes, which seems obvious enough.