Usually science opposes nature, tears it apart, treats it like some sort of expendable resource. So, when the refurb. job at the local science museum finished boy was I surprised to see Nature being embraced.
Who would have thunk it, eh, the devil reaching out for God's hand...
Graffiti, in whatever format it takes, is a valid form of expression, perhaps the most original, since it is never compromised by another before 'publication'. Young people especially need their voice to be heard, and graffiti, often, is the only way for them to do it. It can be done in a messy manner to be sure but even that mess is a valid form of expression, perhaps the most original, because, yes, it reflects the mess that you have made of the Earth and your Self. Yet, time and again, I see the council 'whitewashing' (chance would be a fine thing) this stuff as soon as it goes up, and making an absolute dog's dinner of it. I mean, are these words so potent and true, that they simply have to erase them by hook or by crook? Are my half inch letters so on the button that the council simply can't take it? That those who work for the council have their knickers in such a twist that they're almost tearing their hair out. And all this when advertisers just around the corner are advertising the crass and the crude in billboards four storeys tall.
Has graffiti removal had its day in other words? Should we not leave the graffiti alone as an accurate reflection of our society? We have all been de-faced and dis-figured (removed from our original configuration and face) under progress and capitalism. So what's the deal then with not being able to return the favour in kind?
The supreme art of war writes Sun Tzu is to subdue the enemy without fighting. This was how my Tae Kwon Do teacher approached the martial arts: you're here to learn how not to fight, and how to not fight. This is one of the warrior's attributes: intelligence, and awareness. Which is why I'm going to title my next stencil project - Warrior.
Because this world is sorely lacking in intelligence and awareness. And people need re-minding.
