an ACLU of sorts is being formed by graffiti artists, for graffiti
artists. the 'urban art foundation' was unveiled during the
meeting of styles which took place at P.S 14 in patterson, n.j
this past weekend. calling for landmark status to be applied
to pieces of historal significance, such as those by artist
steve powers aka ESPO. the foundation will also raise legal
funds and create a database of attorney's for those charged with
graffiti-related crimes.
not everyone see's the positive effect this soon-to-be non profit
could have. fred kress, co-founder of C.A.G.E (citizens against
graffiti everywhere) stands strongly by his beliefs, "we're trying
to take down graffiti on every level." kress believes that graffiti
is a crime, not an artform. "we want to see them reformed or
locked up and I would like them to pay restitution. these are
vandals, certainly not artists. if it's so artful, why aren't they
doing it on their own cars and homes?"
regardless of your stance on graffiti. love it or hate it there's no
doubt it's here to stay. the presence it has within popular culture
and influence on visual culture cannot be ignored. it will be
interesting to see the effect a foundation of this nature can have
in bringing understanding from the broader community to
what graffiti is all about.
for the full article in the wall street journal please check the
following link:
http://mobile2.wsj.com/device/article.php?CALL_URL=
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704147
804575455932861284588.html
**image sourced from the wall street journal
photographer: bryan derballa
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