In my neighborhood residential streets, industrial warehouses and avenues filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and studios create a unique environment. Art thrives and can be seen almost everywhere you look. From 3d installations, both whimsical and functional, to the many graffiti murals painted by the numerous artists and collectives inhabiting the area.
Pictured is a 2d graffiti mural on the backside of a 2 story building. It is very large and takes up most of the surface. Anyone passing by would see that this is a painting of a building with dark smoke coming out of four stacks, two stacks on either side. In the middle there is an archway filled with pastel designs. The bright pinks, blues, greens, yellows, and reds make the designs stand out in an otherwise drab, unremarkable painting. To me the circular and floral designs are reminiscent of Mandalas. They also evoke the image of the stained glass windows of a church. The background is rust coloured and there is teal paint streaking and dripping all over the place. High above the painting there is an 'all seeing eye'. The eye appears to be slightly sleepy but radiates a golden energy.
In an area where most of the art seems to make a political statement I find that this piece seems to have been made mostly to explore aesthetic possibilities. I think the artist has created this work to make us stop and appreciate our surroundings. Its unexpected beauty changes the environment. A dirty, desolate street has become something beautiful.
Wow great picture Tiffani! It is most certainly exploring aesthetic possibilities, and also I would add that it is refreshing our vision of the world, because it stops and makes you look at the building in a whole new way. Great start to the blog!
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