Before studying Mid and Post Modern art, I did not care too much for “graffiti” or street art. When I hear the those terms I initially think of the stereotypical work of street gangs tagging walls with unrecognizable letters or scribbling that is an eyesore. Street art defined is any art created in public spaces, which includes traditional graffiti, sticker art, and street poster art. It was not until this study did I recognize there is something to appreciate in “street art” and it is far beyond traditional graffiti.
The street artists I enjoyed researching and their style are John Fekner and Julian Beever. John Fekner’s style of conceptual art, demonstrate that a simple word or phrase on a specific building or object create a powerful message. And many of us may have received the emails of the “Chalk Guy” who is Julian Beever. His amazing creations of 3D art created on sidewalk streets demonstrate the on the spot art that is in-depth, full of skill and technique creating a masterpiece before your very eyes can be enjoyed and appreciated of what makes art beautiful.
Conceptual Art
John Fekner is an innovative artist who created hundreds of conceptual and environmental art with the use of stencil words, symbols, dates and icons spray painted around the world.
Fekner’s work brought attention in 1980 the conditions in the Black and Latino communities in the south Bronx by spray painting stencils in larg letters above crumbling structures. You couldn’t block out the vision and the message that seemed very clear, “you can just sit back and watch, you have a part as well”.
Throughout John Fekner’s entire career in the arts, he has made a commitment within his work by consistently addressing issues that demonstrate an interest involving concepts of perception and transformation, as well as specific environmental and sociological concerns such as urban decay, greed, chemical pollutants, mass media and Native American Indians.
Fekner’s stencil Wheels Over Indian Trails greeted motorists and international travelers arriving in New York City at the Pulaski Bridge Queens Midtown Tunnel from 1979-1990. Looking at this imagine causes me to reflect on the lands before it became urbanized. My reflection is about the past and the original occupants, American Indians, and how this may have been a place they once occupied. This simple message is powerful and I appreciate that Fekner was able to capture so much in saying so little. The message remained untouched for eleven years, until Earth Day 1990, when Mr. Fekner, feeling the piece had run its course, painted over it.
3D Street Art
Julian Beever, also know as the “Chalk Guy” in emails, is a 3D street art chalk artist. His work is created on the sidewalks and in city centers right before your very eyes! He demonstrates the skill, technique and the ability to create something from his imagination making it a solid a piece of work. His work causes the “awe” and “ooh” effect and I believe for people to enjoy art as it was intended.
Julian Beever uses colored chalk to create complex art on sidewalks in public spaces. His work is in larger scale and he uses the “anamorphosis” effect where an image is reflected like a mirror or is distorted in a way that can seen from a particular viewpoint to get the full effect. Beever’s work draws attention because of his use of the usual and amusing art in a 3D effect.
I have not seen Julian Beever in action, but I have been able to witness other sidewalk artists hard at work on some very amazing pieces. What I enjoy is the skill and talent of the sidewalk artists who brings the work to life right before your very eyes. I am sure others feel as I do when witnessing a sidewalk artist, “I wish I could do that”, or “WOW!”. To see a person bring to life a piece of work with such detail and imagery of color, and not make a mistake (0r if they did you didn’t notice) in a one shot moment simply amazes me. Also, that fact they are doing it in chalk knowing that piece of work will be washing away causes me to appreciate it that much more.
Street art can be powerful with a strong message that may cause a person to want to act when struggles or pollution are brought to the front as John Fekner demonstrates. Or street art can cause a person to appreciate the talent and gifts of a person who brings to life a masterpiece right in front of your eyes to purely enjoy in the moment. Funny how art can take you in two directions either with powerful message or create a sense of pure appreciation and enjoyment.
References:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Incredible_Beever
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_art
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fekner
http://www.linesandcolors.com/2007/12/07/julian-beever-update/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Beever
http://www.moillusions.com/2007/12/julian-beevers-new-3d-sidewalk.html