This is my entry into the Lens-Artists Challenge, a weekly photography challenge on WordPress. In this week’s challenge, Sofia invites us to showcase photographs that are BOLD.
I’m always fascinated by street graffiti when we travel. My husband, not so much. He thinks it’s tacky and destructive. I don’t disagree, but some of it can be quite clever and even approaching beautiful. But either way, you have to be awfully BOLD to graffiti something.
Case in point: I took this photo of graffiti at the Grand Canyon National Park. No gray area for me here. This is ass-hattery, plain and simple. And I hope the Rizzler chokes on a pinecone.
Another case: Bansky. His graffiti is well known, and he’s got a worldwide following. His graffiti has sold for millions, and is protected rather than painted over. Seems there are different rules for Bansky.
So, is graffiti vandalism or art?
Yes.
Here are some shots of BOLD graffiti/street art that I’ve accumulated. Enjoy!
My entire (work in progress) photography portfolio can be found here.
If you would like to participate in the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info. And don’t forget to link back to the host in your post.
Cheers!
Graffiti is always art… painted over, condoned, vandalism, or revered! 🙂
All of the above! Cheers!
Kirsten, welcome to the Lens-Artists challenges. I hope we see more of your photography. These are bold examples you shared. I loved the photos. I agree with your about vandalism in national parks. As for city streets, graffiti is everywhere these days. You showed us great examples.
Thanks so much, very happy to be here! Cheers!
Yes indeed. In National Parks? Horrible. When I lived in northern Utah I hated seeing initials carved into Aspens. It’s just gross. In city streets and trains? It isn’t art to me. It’s usually not pretty and uplifting.
Yeah, it burns my biscuits when people deface National Parks. Ditto the insides of precious old buildings. Ugh.
I like this, especially the rabbit on the corner of the building, but they’re all good. We’re Bristolians, like Banksy, and have access to lots of his artwork around the city. The city council have left most of it in place but a lot of it has been, ironically, vandalised by other street artists.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Bansky in person before!
An interesting and valid question. For me a case of place and appropriateness and talent. I mostly say ‘no’ but absolutely loved and appreciated Banksy’s art. We have had shows of his sold out weeks ahead . , , and they have been an utter delight!
Agree. Place and appropriateness are important – as is the message.
There’s nothing better than finding new street art, especially if found in a new place. And I feel sad when some old favourites get painted over, but such is the nature of street art. Wonderful bold expressions of creativity in your post. Welcome to the Lens-Artists Challenge.
Thanks Sofia! Appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Thanks you, Sofia. And I just realized I called you Sonya in my post – have fixed that now! Sorry!!
I understand graffiti when it is in protest to oppression or when it is art, but I don’t understand when it is random scratching, scribbling or wasteful spray of paint..
Exactly, PR. Cheers!
That giant rabbit is the most wonderful of all!
I think he’s my favorite, too!
Great selections. The eternal question, when and where. The Grand Canyon, despicable. The not so grand canyons of urban decay, mayyyyybe. That’s a lot of paint!
Agree completely, John. Cheers!