As I sit here, sipping my hot mug of lemon ginger tea, 100.7FM is blasting rap in the back round........ to get me in the mood for researching today's theme - urban art!!!I'm KIDDING, of course - about the rap!!!
When I think urban art - I immediately think - GRAFFITI!! Growing up in NY, tagged buildings, subway walls, and freight trains, were common sights, especially the closer you got to "the city" (NYC). I was amazed at the artistic bent of these unknown artists, whose huge bubble letters or amazing works of art appeared overnight. I am sure most of this "art" was not viewed with appreciation, by the building owners, or public works folks who need to paint over it! My parents always dismissed it as destructive hooliganism!!!
Martha Cooper published a book in the 80's on Subway Art- a classic!
While googling "urban art", I discovered there is a gallery in NYC on E52nd, called monkdogz.com, featuring modern urban artists. I think they have a blog artblahblah.com I haven't had a chance to check that out yet.It is more than just "traditional" graffiti.
Graffiti, has spread from the walls of NY tenements to where ever there is an "inner" city, to outside of a city- the midwest, or to a train slowly passing thru a southern Va town. It is not just an art limited to the US. It is now seen as body art- tattoos, in clothing design, and has made it off the streets into art galleries.
I think there is much more to urban art than just graffiti tho'. I think Seth, of the Altered Page creates fabulous art with a definite urban flavor, totally unrelated to graffiti.
I recently reconnected with a childhood friend,now based in NYC, who has quite an impressive art resume - and paints beautiful art - very abstractly urban in nature.The city is her muse. I have absolutely no professional backround in art, and could be wrong categorizing her works as urban art. But she draws her inspiration from urban settings, so.......Take a look and see what you think - www.joannelobotsky.com
I am including a couple of examples of urban inmate art that came into my possession, done with the tiny ink stem of a pen- great examples of beauty emerging from despair.
Please join us for Tea on Tuesdays with a theme, and stop in to visit Kimmie for links to our other T.o.T. participants!
Interesting reflections on urban art...and I'm relieved to hear you weren't sipping tea while listening to rap. LOL
ReplyDeleteHope no one finds the first photo offensive !!:>)
ReplyDeletethis is so interestng.
ReplyDeleteI must admit when I go to London by train, I look out for the artwork on walls & bridges.
We don't get any where I live - in the bigger towns & cities there is plenty though !
Love the pictures, and JoAnne's work is amazing. I love the colors in her work.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering if you miss living in the city.
Lovely addition to the theme Pat, thanks for joining in, Christen
ReplyDeleteLove this post Pat, interesting reading and lots of links to check out.
ReplyDeleteYES, Seth does have a wonderful Urban edginess and more to his art!
Happy T Tuesday!
oxo
Do I miss living in the city/suburbs - not at all!!!!I only miss having stores and hospitals close by - that's it!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing your earlier post about the letters and doodles on them from the guy in prison. There is just something really haunting about those. I think the whole thing of urban art (in the realm of graffiti) is having a voice when you feel voiceless. I don't mind it if it's not offensive or if it doesn't mean that 2 gangs want to totally kill each other. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete(I'm back!) happy "t" today! hugs, Kimmie
I just had to stop by and read your commentary. I loved NYC, but have to agree that graffiti was everywhere. In LA, the residents still don't appreciate these urban artists whose canvases are neighboring fences, walls, and street signs.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post. It was very inspiring.
To be able to draw like that!! Thanks for the infor and pictures.
ReplyDeleteI have taught in Chicago at the Terra when it was still up and operating and at Marwen. I worked with young artists and Chicago Public School teachers for their inservice. I love what these two organizations did for harnessing the power of making art for public awareness and creativity. I worked on my envelopes today for mailing...I am making an extra one for a dear artist going through chemo,,,I love the Persian Dream tea. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart
ReplyDeleteAnother enjoyable and educational tea party! I enjoyed reading. I didn't realize you spent time in New York. It's no small wonder the country called you by name. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy tea Tuesday.
oxo Judy
Grew up on LI - the city was a mere hop, skip and traffic jam away......left 28 years ago - have not looked back.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE graffiti/urban art & tea. If it's not too late I'de like to join in tea swap, please.
ReplyDeleteI love these doodles! I was late for tea tuesday...and am not the best at sticking to themes! ;-)
ReplyDeleteGraffiti can be an amazing source of inspiration. True, the location chosen is not always the best, but the artistic talent involved is often impressive.
ReplyDelete