THE ART OF GRAFFITI: FROM PARIS TO WOODSTOCK

Graffiti artists have long been the bane of governments around the world. Every year hundreds of thousands of Euros and Rands are spent on eradicating graffiti from public property. The contemporary art world, however, has long recognised the creative contributions of these artists. And yet, the recent decision by Paris’ Victorian-era exhibition palace on the Champs Élysées to host an exhibit showcasing over 300 commissioned graffiti works has raised many an archly eyebrow in the art world.

The exhibition was organised by architect-collector Alain Dominique Galliz. Exhibiting artists include New York’s Snake131, Nasty from Switzerland, and Psyckoze of Paris. The riotous, exuberantly coloured works are hung in a long-disused and tunnel-like loft. The graffiti exhibit replaces a record-breaking Picasso show that closed there in January. Artist were invited and paid to produce two panels designed to resemble the side of an underground train. One panel was to be painted with their signature tags or initials and the other using the theme of love. In return, Galliz agreed that the works would be exhibited together but not sold.

Opinions around the exhibition have been diverse but strong. Some, like contemporary art specialist Jean-Philippe Domecq, think that the exhibition has gone too far. “The state is punishing these people on one side and welcoming them on the other. This is subsidising subversion,” he says. “The state is so afraid of missing another Van Gogh that it throws money at every fad.”

Police and prosecutors have started taking action against internet sites and art magazines for ‘aiding and abetting criminal activity’ by publishing the graffiti works executed on public property. Police officers have also been known to visit exhibitions as part of their investigations against the graffiti artists. ‘Toxic’, a British artist who now lives in Italy, experienced this first hand when British police visited a London gallery where he was exhibiting. “They were there to see your face and arrest you,” he says. It was not clear whether or not law officials would attend this show.

The South African art world, it seems, is also beginning to accept the work of graffiti artists. The Cape Town-based creative agency, Word of Art, has recently assembled its artists and friends to participate in a group exhibition, celebrating the launch of their new studio/gallery in Woodstock. Works on show include graffiti, illustration and photography, and participating artists include Daniel Ting Chong (featured in issue 11 of one small seed magazine), ‘black koki’, ‘351078’ and ‘Rasty’.

As an agency, Word of Art does more than just supply creative talent. They represent a variety of artists and strive to create opportunities for them, while also focusing on providing the public with a greater insight into the various art forms that surround them. Their associated company, Write on Africa, was established in 2005, and works to garner support for graffiti as a legitimate art form in South Africa. The company has completed several corporate projects, such as billboards for the National Blood Bank working with established artists like Faith47 (whose work can be seen all over Cape Town – see mural below). More of their work can be seen on their official website.

For the relaunch of Write on Africa, a live street art auction will be held in an attempt to raise money for a township mural campaign. Ricky Lee Gordon, founder of Write on Africa, explains a little about his motivation:

“Through these experiences and connections with working in public space I have found that ultimately I like to create work to be enjoyed by the people that are exposed to it daily… I can go on knowing that I have left the work with him to continue to enjoy and hopefully be inspired by… This process can hopefully go on to create much needed change in this country."

The auction will be held this Saturday the 4th of April at the Artjamming Studio at Wembly Square in Gardens, Cape Town. Participating artists include Faith47, Rasty, Mak1one, Black Koki, Senyol and 351073. The event should be a great one to check out to experience the heart of one of Cape Town’s most fervent street subcultures at work – and it’s a great initiative to support. To start the auction early, click here.