The discussion is ongoing, where is the line between art and vandalism. What defines public or private space and who gets to decide the function of each. This recent article in the Edmonton journal is an interesting look at the subject but more than anything reflects the attitudes of Edmonton’s law enforcement and their inability to enter this debate constructively. Their views continue to be narrow minded and inflexible. The city responds to the “problem” with anti graffiti campaigns that sidestep the issue and choose for all of us what should be considered art. Personally I have seen enough murals in this city that remind me of the kind of “artistic” prints found at Wall-Mart and Zellers. But check it out for yourself and feel free to email us with your own opinions. We can post your thoughts and keep this debate going.
Congratulations Everett. I’m stoked to meet Finlay.
I’m in London and yesterday I attended a lecture at the Tate Modern on the nature of Street Art. The question of who owns public property was put to bat and I have a renewed perspective on public artwork. Brad Downey spoke and showed some of his works. Here’s a piece he was commissioned to do for the Tour du France:
The Tate has a show on right now about street art and they had a bunch of really sick artists attack the front of the gallery. This piece by Faile is incredible.
I’ve also had some time here to wander around Soho. If you ever get to London this is where to go. I saw the much acclaimed lazarides gallery and was let down with the quality of the show on right now. The national portrait gallery is sick. I am buzzing with inspiration and I would pee my pants right now to get home and start doing stuff. London is too damn expensive, but, you can drink in public and all the galleries are free. I’m off to Berlin tomorrow, then Paris, then home. 2 weeks.
I highly suggest going down to the Alberta art gallery and checking out one of there latest shows. REAL is the name of the show and it got me thinking that I am not sure which individual of this unlikely pairing would be labeled the beauty and which one the beast but here it is anyway. Local artist Tim Rechner collaborates with a not so local artist. Her name is Lucy and she resides at the bow valley zoo. To check out more click here.
p.s I just had a baby and am on top of the world!!! His name is Finlay Caister Tetz.
