Artsy: Street art has long been a way to interrupt our surroundings with the unexpected. Escif, a native of Valencia, Spain, has worked for over two decades to execute graffiti interventions on the world’s walls. Sometimes, they are simple illustrations that beckon you to look up and consider them: a judiciously placed watermelon, a falling rock, a sculptural bust. In others, through muted color palettes and illustrative figures, Escif warns of the trials of modern life, from police violence to gentrification and consumerism.
4 comments:
From this article, the thing that I was most taken with is how many forms of graffiti and street there are. I had only thought of graffiti as art outside on building or in visible area. That being said, I see how Tokemon Go incorporates the best of both. Artists can alter the augmented reality and not need permission. One thing the article left me feeling confused about was why Tokemon Go is based in a museum rather than outside. When I started to write this comment, I was not convinced that this should exist in a museum because I kept thinking of it as defacing the art. However, as I keep thinking about it I have started to view it as seeing the world as a coloring book, adding beauty to it, and showing how the artist perceives the world. I see how it is enhancing the exhibition and how the technology really does give these artists their freedom.
AR seems to me like an interesting question in relation to theatre. A quick search brought me to www.ARShowpro.com, which is a company that has developed a AR system that they hope to get Broadway theaters to adopt, and https://www.techradar.com/news/the-national-theatre-is-using-augmented-reality-to-enhance-its-shows, which I think is a brilliant application. I was also thinking about how very small productions could potentially use AR to create a more elaborate scenic environment than they have the budget for. I'd be interested in seeing a software on the level of Qlab (that nearly anyone can learn to use to great effect) for AR. That said, I think many, if not most performers would feel disconcerted if each member of the audience had an AR viewer strapped to their head. It might also detract from the shared experience aspect of live theatre. Ultimately, I suppose, it comes down to how the technology is applied.
I love the idea of multimedia art, however, I have mixed feelings about the use of graffiti and augmented reality as a platform for art. On one hand, it’s original and creative, and brings in a new set of audience members, particularly the I-Generation. It’s amazing that something as simple as a set of children’s scribbles can lead to a hidden piece of art. It reminds me of hotel paintings that have a unique piece of art beneath them. They’re hidden to a passerby, but if you know where to find them, a secret piece of art is revealed. This creates a new relationship and promotes an exclusive mindset that many people are attracted to. On the other hand, I agree with Escif that it brings people to use their smartphones and not their senses. In a world of technology, why do we have to turn something that relies on so many analogue senses into the digital world?
Graffiti is a form of art that requires a ton of talent and skill, and is one that is often looked over and stereotyped. I found the art of Escif very interesting specifically, due to the wide variety of graffiti art they make, such as intricate mundane objects to serious social commentary and activism. The thought of creating AR systems to view art is really interesting. Like other comments above said, I am not sure if I am really on board with this idea. There is a sort of rawness and pureness in looking at art how it is, on the page. Seeing moving, shifting art with the use of technology would admittingly be super cool to see, but it is not the same. And I do not think it should move into classical art museums necessarily. Viewing art has stayed the same since people started displaying works; the way we walk up to something and look at it is the same. Bringing digital headsets and modern technology into the picture takes something away from the raw experience, in my opinion.
Post a Comment