Getting noticed

It has taken millennia for us to evolve into the intelligent, socially aware and civilized beings we like to think of as ourselves today. But perhaps some of our primal urges have been left intact, and I am not referring to our core instincts that enable us to keep Homo Sapiens on the map like eating and breathing.

There seems to be an urge deep within us to leave something, visual or tangible in our wake for others to see. Is it akin to the territorial instinct of our dearest canine friend that necessitates him to leave his mark on a lamppost? Do we also have a need to leave a mark not only to claim territory but as an exclamation of a rule and maybe superiority? Or is it to validate our existence?Speaking for myself, I am quite content to confine my mark making to the canvas.

Mark Making

We’ve had a desire to leave a lasting imprint for future generations since our cave-dwelling days.The history pages would be blank if our ancestors didn’t paint, sculpt and inscribe. Luckily for us they did.

Ancient Romans carved inscriptions on walls and monuments leaving messages, sometimes of a personal nature such as a declaration of love or as a warning to others that a particular innkeeper watered down his wine. The Egyptians left their messages in hieroglyphics

Spray paint Speaks

Today graffiti remains on the fringes of being accepted as a legitimate form of art. Derived from the Italian word ‘sgraffito’ –  scratched, graffiti refers to drawings or writing that have been written, scratched or spray-painted, usually illicitly, onto a public surface. Traditionally graffiti is a rebellion against authority and is considered a resistance and anti-establishment technique and an act of vandalism by many. Unfortunately as a tool to spread personal viewpoints, often of a political nature, graffiti remains alive and well. It is free and it gives voice to the oppressed, like it or not it is here to stay.

Outdoor Art for Everyone

‘Street art’ on the contrary is widely accepted and embraced as an ‘avant-garde’ art form. Street art can become confused with Graffiti. Is there a clear distinction?

Street art in Fremantle

My definition of ‘street art’ is art that is either performed or executed outside the traditional boundaries of art galleries and other public spaces. An adaptation of outdoor space so that the artist may reach a broader audience.

The beautiful work of another Fremantle street artist

Graffiti is not Street Art

Street art often enhances the environment and adds aesthetic value. While some street artists may attempt to raise awareness of social and political issues their work remains non-offensive and respectful of society and public and private property.Graffiti artists do not always tick these boxes.

I see a thin line between the two, it is there.

Kilroy dared to peep over it.