graffiti

As thought of to many, graffiti is vandalism. While this is very true to some extent the 21^st century has brought a wave of legal, commissioned graffiti on murals, walls, and other places in urban areas.  Corporations have chosen to use graffiti as a catchy way to advertise and draw/catch the viewers’ attention which has been very effective from a marketing standpoint.  Artists who are doing these murals (as seen below which is one seen in Toronto’s downtown core by the auto-company Midas) are a very good business for artists in the trade and make a considerable amount of bank and earn great reputation on the street.  Because it is a fairly new practice the market is virtually untapped but that is quickly changing and graffiti artists who were once the fiends and rats in the eyes of the city and society are now very successful artists whose business just keeps on getting better.

By: Alex S.

Street Art

STREET ART - images

When people think of street art, incorrectly generalized as graffiti, they instantly identify it as an illegal act of vandalism which has destroyed the natural beauty of neighbourhoods. While some street art is technically unlawful, the aesthetic quality of various artworks presented on sidewalks and buildings merely shed light on the genuine talent in which these artists possess. Street artists often tend to create artworks budding from an idea or value prevalent in their mind; sometimes involving political views, questioning social comments, or simply based on a 'cool' idea.

Included above is a link directed to a site demonstrating the beauty of various artworks done all over the world.  When viewing these photos keep in mind that everything is done on a two-dimetional surface - it's quite impressive.

Personally, I strongly oppose the general public's assmption that this type or artwork is rebellious and grotesque in contrast to the natural beauty of citys' structure. But rather that it simply adds to the splendor of neighborhoods, by inviting colour into the general grayescale hue possessed by our city streets and buildings.

By: Kyle

A couple of weeks ago I visited the the Abstract Expressionist New York exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario.  The show was a celebration of abstract expressionism and the artists who helped build New York City as the art centre as we know it today.

I've always been a huge fan of abstract expressionism, however, as a teacher I am often asked, "how is this art?"  To truly answer that question you must experience these pieces in real life.  I often tell my students that you need to stand before it and take it all in.  I've seen Jackson Pollocks and Mark Rothkos before and yet I am still struck by their presence and energy every time I see them.

The ironic thing about abstract expressionism is how many people do not understand it and yet it was created for everyone.  People want to know what the painting is about, what is its 'meaning'?  But the artists simply wanted the viewer to experience it and have an emotional response to it.  So, it truly is art for everyone.

Have a look through the fantastic videos:  http://www.ago.net/abstract-expressionist-new-york

You will note how different each artist was.  What brought them together was this need to express themselves and the society in which they lived.

Unfortunately, the exhibit ended just prior to the new school year so I will not be able to take my students to experience this.  Although, I hope that they will have the chance some other time.

You know the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words."?  Well, I say, a picture of an artwork is barely worth one word.  Live it!  Breath it!  Experience it!