Art is in the eye of the beholder, as is beauty. i find it unlikely that a few folks can determine what individuals should consider as art; if that were the case, we would have missed out on such genius minds as Robert Mapplethorpe and Jackson Pollock.
Graffiti is an artform celebrated by many around the world. Atlanta has the pleasure of displaying some of the greatest graffiti in the country; of course, you will find many that will say it's just vandalism and the artists should be jailed.
I've spent many hours exploring the nooks and crannies of our great city, in search of great graffiti pieces. My search has led me to many alley ways, abandoned buildings, tunnels, and a host of places sporting a "no trespass'" sign. I've met some characters almost as colorful as the art I captured, as well as some not so savory folks.
Part 1 of Talking Walls focuses on graffiti artist JUSE. In the street art world, his work is well known and highly respected. Some of his pieces have gone for more than a year without being tagged by other artists or being completely covered. You can find his work in various areas of Atlanta, but more abundantly in areas where street art is more appreciated, such as Little5Points, Cabbage Town, and Reynolds Town. His work has been seen in Atlantic Station, down-town Atlanta, and even atop the now defunct City Hall East.
Nonprofit organization WonderRoot is stepping up to help Atlanta's Office of Cultural Affairs pinpoint endangered street art (basically anything that's not commissioned) that should be spared the ax, er, brush. Guess who has made the list??? Yep, the man JUSE has pieces that are said to be on the keep list.
To make your own suggestions on graffiti that should be preserved, visit www.wonderroot.org
For more of Talking Walls, visit www.n2mo.com and view the Talking Walls Gallery.
MO Better
www.n2mo.com
