Street art/graffiti proves a continual outlet for expression of angst, defiance, and especially bravado/machismo for a younger demographic of people in the urban Vancouver area. Like any art form, though, this is not an act one can comfortably label, describe, or classify in cookie cutter terms, and never one which is necessarily shallow, driven purely by emotion, desire for mischief or as a fame-seeking venture.
Graffiti/street often functions as a symbol of resistance, public or personal identity, popular culture, (Whitehead 2004: 29) or, as previously mentioned, a challenge to socio-economic hierarchy and authority. Yet, in other instances and in the appropriate venue, it can clearly be a source of soft and productive provocation, intellectual stimulation and even spiritual enlightenment. Spirituality is often a shared thematic consideration of skilled veteran graf artists and it has been argued incorporating such themes helps artists derive a deeper and longer lasting sense of personal satisfaction from the art, regardless of one’s socio-economic status or religious affiliation (Noble 2004).
"Don't mistake kindness for weakness. Mind, Body, Soul." 2004 - Acrow, Virus, Efex.
If you stroll down 41st near Collingwood you’ll find an almost block-long wall I photographed the other day, from which one piece/segment remains a prime example of the duality of street art just mentioned. Luckily it has remained virtually untouched despite 8 years of direct exposure to Vancouver’s inhospitable weather and remains a supreme example of refined and thoughtful artistic expression.
By: James Cross