On graffiti and metaphors

I like graffiti. I like how it becomes more valuable when it's well integrated, I like that it's ephemeral and that it is sometimes hated by many. Original or not, a skillful attempt at art or just a tag of somebody's name, it is beautiful and meaningful in its own way. It's our attempt of having a word to say in the imagery-laden environment we live in. We are constantly assaulted by companies and their messages. Eat this. Drink that. Wear this. This is how you should look like. Graffiti is our voice in this dialog. It's raw and often rude, but it's real and sincere and sometimes quite compelling.

Even if it only says I was here. Hell, it's what we're all trying to do in the end. Shout in the loudest way possible I was here. Want to know how well that works? Go looking for a great mural you saw a few months or years ago. Entropy will most likely not have been good to it, as it is not good with any of us.

For what It's worth.... I was here!

R

 

 

Along the canal 2

Running in an urban environment is most of all seeing. There's buildings and trees and park benches and, especially if you live in a big city, street art. I have run many times along the canal and told myself I should do a photowalk here. Finally, I got around to it. Here are some of the results.

 

 

"Imagine a city where graffiti wasn't illegal, a city where everybody could draw wherever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus stop was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big businesses. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall - it's wet." - Banksy



R.