Coming Soon:
Articles on the future of the film industry.
Part One: "Time to Get Serious." A prospective look at the future of animated features.
Thursday 2 April 2009
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Crimes of Passion
When you hear the word graffiti you may be forgiven for your negative reaction, but street art has come a long way since being exclusively labelled as vandalism or urban defacement. To acknowledge this transformation The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) has showcased the work of nearly 50 of Bristol’s most celebrated graffiti artists in a six week exhibition.
Graffiti arrived in Bristol in the early 1980’s, as established street artists from New York emigrated. Despite the movement’s infancy, the youth of Bristol quickly embraced both its artistic and political potential and its ability to communicate. Despite graffiti remaining a standardised pastime for vandals and antisocialists; artists such as Bristol born Banksy have received international recognition and his pieces not only connect with the political landscape he belongs to, but sell for thousands of pounds.
The RWA’s mid-nineteenth century building has not only displays of the artists’ stretching canvasses and 3D installations, but has allowed them to paint straight onto the walls. The effect is striking, with some pieces covering whole sections of plaster; infused with flamboyant shapes and luminescent colours. Many of the Bristol based artists successfully maintain a living through their art and some are internationally renowned; regularly working in America and Japan. The influence of Los Angeles and Tokyo can be seen throughout the exhibition; from gritty social observations to colourful stylised cityscapes.
Despite some pieces exploring disturbing subjects; there is always vibrancy to the art; it leaps from the canvas and never fails to engage. Much of the art remains founded in its grassroots of tagging names from elaborately designed characters, but there are also examples that could easily be defined as ‘illustration’ or ‘fine art’. It is clear when moving though the galleries that many of the artists are expert draftsmen, demonstrating precise drawing abilities as well as a keen judgement of colour arrangements. Some works are startlingly inventive; achieving an animated and dramatic expression.
Despite the variety of exhibited art, some designs fall into the category of traditional graffiti and those pieces have less personal appeal. They feel a little immature amongst examples attempting to push the art form forward.
I believe the exhibition will engage people from all walks of life and all age groups. Street art has matured in the public eye and Bristol has gained a positive reputation from negative beginnings; indeed, Bristol’s graffiti artists should hold their spray-cans high.
Graffiti arrived in Bristol in the early 1980’s, as established street artists from New York emigrated. Despite the movement’s infancy, the youth of Bristol quickly embraced both its artistic and political potential and its ability to communicate. Despite graffiti remaining a standardised pastime for vandals and antisocialists; artists such as Bristol born Banksy have received international recognition and his pieces not only connect with the political landscape he belongs to, but sell for thousands of pounds.
The RWA’s mid-nineteenth century building has not only displays of the artists’ stretching canvasses and 3D installations, but has allowed them to paint straight onto the walls. The effect is striking, with some pieces covering whole sections of plaster; infused with flamboyant shapes and luminescent colours. Many of the Bristol based artists successfully maintain a living through their art and some are internationally renowned; regularly working in America and Japan. The influence of Los Angeles and Tokyo can be seen throughout the exhibition; from gritty social observations to colourful stylised cityscapes.
Despite some pieces exploring disturbing subjects; there is always vibrancy to the art; it leaps from the canvas and never fails to engage. Much of the art remains founded in its grassroots of tagging names from elaborately designed characters, but there are also examples that could easily be defined as ‘illustration’ or ‘fine art’. It is clear when moving though the galleries that many of the artists are expert draftsmen, demonstrating precise drawing abilities as well as a keen judgement of colour arrangements. Some works are startlingly inventive; achieving an animated and dramatic expression.
Despite the variety of exhibited art, some designs fall into the category of traditional graffiti and those pieces have less personal appeal. They feel a little immature amongst examples attempting to push the art form forward.
I believe the exhibition will engage people from all walks of life and all age groups. Street art has matured in the public eye and Bristol has gained a positive reputation from negative beginnings; indeed, Bristol’s graffiti artists should hold their spray-cans high.
Monday 30 March 2009
Animal Collective Live Review
Last week, the newly titled HMV Forum played host to one of the most anticipated London gigs of the year. Following their sold-out January date and giddy admiration all round for their recent 'Merriweather Post Pavillion' album and ecstatic live form, Maryland's Animal Collective were back in town. Read all about it over at the (also newly titled) Artrocker TV site: http://www.artrocker.tv/reviews/article/animal-collective-the-hmv-forum-london
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)