A reader sends in the following pic and info:"I was on my way to the L station today and noticed this "mural" covering the backside of the building on the northwest corner of Wilson and Beacon. It appears to be advertising the Wilson Yards Skate Shop around the corner. I know this same spot has been continually covered in brown paint by graffiti blasters covering up the Latin Kings tags. Maybe they think if this is there, the gangbangers won't tag it? I don't think this enhances our struggling Wilson retail corridor at all. Just my two cents."
Assuming Wilson Yards got permission from the building, this is a definite improvement. Wilson Yards is a small, local retail establishment trying to make it in Uptown. If they think this billboard will make a difference, then I wholeheartedly support it.
ReplyDeleteI guess I don't understand how this could be a bad thing? Isn't this EXACTLY the type of stuff we want in our ward?
I think its great. Its actually very well done. Graffiti is art too. Its much better than stuff like this in uptown...
ReplyDeletehttp://panicstreak.blogspot.com/2009/10/excellent-graffiti.html
Ditto that, WCE.
ReplyDeleteMore bluntly, any graffiti that isn't gang-related is an improvement.
That's pretty sweet. Real neighborhood art from a local shop.
ReplyDeleteSeeing as Wilson Yards sells graffiti and tagging materials, I'm rather amused that they did a graffiti style mural to prevent the wall from being tagged.
ReplyDeleteI love it!
ReplyDeleteActually, in Rogers Park, they have a mile of murals which have never once been touched by graffiti in an area that was ridden with it. So this might be a good way of deterring the tagging.
ReplyDeleteTo each her own. To me it's one step up from graffiti, and I detest graffiti. I realize that not all of this type of art is tied to gangs, but given the street violence lately, I prefer any business steer clear of any suggestion of promoting this.
ReplyDeleteIf I lived in an area with no gangs, I'd be applauding it. But I don't. It's a free country though, so that business can do what it wants.
Even if you don't like this, the mere presence of this mural means a local business is taking an active interest in the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good thing, period.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
I look at the kids in this neighborhood and think about what inspires them and what gives them hope. This does neither. Not all art must be inspiring, but I think the kids in this neighborhood could use more inspiration in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI would react differently if we lived in a neighborhood where drug dealing wasn't one of the major industries. I also understand that art is very subjective so I have no objections. I still don't like it but I'm glad some people do.
To me it's one step up from graffiti, and I detest graffiti.
ReplyDeleteSo if they just painted "Wilson Skate Shop" in big block letters covering the same area, that would be better? Not sure how. This is the same thing, just a little more creative and different than simply painting letters on a wall.
Holy Moley said:
ReplyDelete"I look at the kids in this neighborhood and think about what inspires them and what gives them hope. This does neither."
How do you know this does neither? I think you're approaching this from a purely subjective standpoint. Kids find inspiration and hope in so many different ways, and often we have no idea what that may be. Art takes many forms, and to some, this type of art is inspirational and beautiful. To others, it's an overdrawn picture of lillies. And yet others find the same inspiration and beauty in the "egg". If a kid looks at that advertisement and says, "hey, that's kind of cool with all the colors and I'd like to learn how to paint and do that myself" then to me it's worth it.
I welcome this type of art in a City that has for far too long been lacking bright and refreshing colors, especially in the dark, dank days of fall and winter.
If it's true the shop sells tagging and graffitti materials then I'd surmise the "inspiration" is to spread the vandalism. "See you can do this too...go out and practice."
ReplyDelete> "Seeing as Wilson Yards sells graffiti and tagging materials"
ReplyDeleteReally? What exactly are they selling to promote tagging? Chicago has a spray paint ban (ever try to get Kilz spray primer or auto spray paint in the city?): http://bit.ly/38aVbq
If they are selling spray paint, feel free to report them. However, I'd guess you've never been in the shop and are just projecting your dislike of skateboarders.
I say kudos to the mural, it looks well done and it's in the alley, so its not like it defaces the front of a building or something. This reminds me of the mural at Unique Thrift Store on Sunnyside that was done by Uptown Baptist... also, IMHO a great way to add some color to the streetscape and celebrate urban art in a positive way.
And, as a bonus, maybe it'll provide some better business for the skate shop, which is pretty difficult to see in its basement location, even if you're walking right past it.
That looks great! A creative way to advertize the business and a big improvement to that alley.
ReplyDeleteThat skate shop has stuck it out there for quite awhile, and I am glad to see that it is trying new and artistic ways to attract more business.
That's art.
ReplyDeleteReally? What exactly are they selling to promote tagging?
ReplyDeleteNever been in there, but according to a quick check on Google, they sell: Montana, OTR, Krink, and Grogg products, none of which are banned in Chicago, but all of which are suitable for tagging/graffiti (mops, markers, streaks -- look 'em up).
And personally, although I have never used a spray can nor written a tag in my life, I do happen to find this type of art (although, not this specific piece) to be inspirational. Either way, yes, it definitely beats brown rectangles.
Look Jason and MOS, I'm not setting up some protest about the mural but I still don't like it even if anyone thinks it's about lillies and eggs (paleeze Jason, you can come up with something better than lillies and eggs.)
ReplyDeleteI have a right to my opinion and my opinion about it would be a little different if there was less graffiti and gangs in the neighborhood. I know it's not gang tagging, but to me, it's a step up so I don't care for it. Maybe if I had never had problems with gangs I would think differently. But I don't. I don't like it.
If someone likes it, good for them.
...."our struggling Wilson retail corridor"...
ReplyDeleteWell, it certainly can't hurt the corridor to actually advertise the stores that exist on it.... and to advertise them in a way that catch the attention of their customers. I'm guessing whoever sent in that comment is not a skateboarder or maybe they think the struggle would be more successful with one less business on it. I'm not sure I understand that logic.
All art criticism aside, I'm heartened to see so many comments from folks who are able to distinguish between legitimate (advertising, sanctioned) and illegitimate (drug territory marking, unsanctioned) purposes.
If you guys have issues with this perfectly positive, locally produced, graffiti influenced art, you're never going to be happy in Uptown. Ever.
ReplyDeleteIf you want your marketing art to have safe, corporate aesthetics and "clever" marketing language, move to the suburbs. Or better yet, live inside an airport.
I didn't think it was possible to make our Wilson Ave streetscape worse than it already was. I was wrong.
ReplyDeleteNow, visitors coming to shop on our "vibrant Wilson Ave corridor" will be greeted by graffiti on the east as well as the west. Way to go skateshop, thanks for being a role model for the youth of our community.
I could take or leave their sign. Its creative in some aspect, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Bigger fish to fry in Uptown.
ReplyDeleteI'm just curious why they chose "Wilson Yards" as the name of their business. A creative play on a hotly contested name in Uptown? Who knows...
1) With a quick search you can see they clearly sell graff material. Check out their (underwhelming) website.
ReplyDelete2)Though I am not a fan of tagging, personally I find graff intriguing. It is a complicated road that can lead both ways. For an interesting perspective check out: this track.
3) We have far bigger problems around here. I just had the fun of watching the police scatter a large group of local ne'er-do-wells from the lot at Magnolia and Wilson.
I have a friend in Miami whose son went from being a tagger to now he's a commissioned artist who does well for himself. I like murals if they are well done like Unique's.To each their own on this subject.
ReplyDeleteI went to though Yahoo business and found their advertisement: It states, "Welcome to Chicago's original graff and skate shop, where skate and graffiti meet." I think they should move on down to the Wilson Yard and set up a shop next to Target. Those long expansive walls are just begging for some personal touches.
ReplyDeletehttp://il.local.yahoo.biz/wilsonyardsskateandgraff/
Look Jason and MOS, I'm not setting up some protest about the mural but I still don't like it even if anyone thinks it's about lillies and eggs
ReplyDeleteIt's one thing to say that you don't like it esthetically. It's another to suggest, as you did, that this type of art promotes gangs. THAT'S what I think some people, including myself, found a little far-fetched.
If you don't like it purely on an art-appreciation level, no problem. That's your opinion.
Graffiti art has done wonders for a lot lot kids - look at LA and as someone else mentioned, Miami. LA has graffiti walls that allows people to create murals..http://www.veniceartwalls.com/ and the work they do is amazing. It is an art form that gives a positive, creative outlet for some people and can really help them find their way in life. I'll take that over gang tagging any day. Art whether it be drawing, painting, music, dancing etc. is a great form of expression and it should really be more prevalent and available in young people's lives. Art in many cases is what keeps kids out of trouble.
ReplyDeleteIf my kid was buying "art supplies" to develop his love for graffiti, I would be concerned.
ReplyDeleteIs all graffiti related to gangs? No.
Is some of the graffiti we see in this neighborhood related to gangs? Yes.
Do I love urban art? YES, especially the work done by Alternatives on the front of their building.
Does Uptown have a gang problem? Yes.
Am I thrilled that we have a store that is supportive of graffiti where around 95% of what we see of it was destructive of private and public property? No.
Do I believe the community should demand to take it down? Hell no.
I agree with Brint. This aesthetic is what drew me to Uptown.
ReplyDeleteStunning! I want one in my living room!
Hey Candice, check this out:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8ve5lC4T1g
All the stuff you were talking about; I wonder if it can be promoted in a good way. I wonder if an outlet for kids' creativity could be provided in a proper forum, an after-school program-activity. Could you imagine, a "Street Art" series among high schools with set competitions and "canvas" provided. It would be like the baseball or track team, but they have Krink in their gym bag. Maybe use local artists or advertising professionals or comic book illustrators to judge.
Hey holy moley, I'm only talking about your comment that kids don't find inspiration in that. You're certainly entitled to your opinion. I happen think you're on the downhill side of a slippery slope, but I guess I can understand. I'm forever going to absolutely despise pants buckled at the knees and red or black baseball caps worn sideways or just a little crooked and too big.
Hey Physically Knotted, nicely put.
"If my kid was buying "art supplies" to develop his love for graffiti, I would be concerned."
ReplyDeleteIf you know your kid well enough, you should have no reason to be concerned.
Believe me, I am a firm believer in the arts. There is some great urban art throughout the city that has been done by people of all ages. I want to see more of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not big on glorifying this type of art & similar forms of it when I see so much of it done without permission on other people's property. The fact that this store encourages graffiti in its advertising makes me even more cautious about it.
Jason, I do agree that we need to be more supportive of the kids in the neighborhood. My approach to instilling hope is different from your way.
Do any of you guys who complain about this mural (which is actual art), complain when a property management company hangs a big fat yellow banner that says "RENT BLOWOUT!" from a building?
ReplyDeleteBrint, my concerns were never about aesthetics. It was never about sanitizing Uptown. It was never about starting up a mob to remove it. I made my point and repeating it is a waste of time.
ReplyDeleteHowever, when your building gets tagged the next time, remember that this store promotes graffiti in its advertising. Maybe they can send someone over to give some nice flourishes to it.
Holey Moley, you're just looking for a scapegoat. The store doesn't promote vandalism.
ReplyDeleteGraffiti doesn't have to be vandalism. You're blurring all sorts of territory here, as you look for someone to blame.
Chicago's annual budget to remove graffiti is well over $6 million. But you are so right, not all graffiti is related to vandalism. Maybe just 95% of it is.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure though that this store only promotes the legal kind in their advertisement. ; )
95% eh? So you're telling me that you "think" 5% of spray paint public art is legit under the law. But you're willing to outlaw it anyway, based on the style and form of the expression?
ReplyDeleteAre you some kind of fascist? And you pulled that stat out of your butt, too. Just like fascist. Shameless.
Yeah, this is a brilliant idea. Who is ever going to see the ad but the graffiti artists? I can see it now. They used to do their drivebys in cars and on bikes; now they'll get hip and use skateboards!
ReplyDeletebrint, I believe graffiti done on property without the owner's permission should be removed. If you can show me where I stated that we need to outlaw this work of art, I will donate $1,000 to the campaign of your most highly favored alderman, Helen.
ReplyDeleteWhat's next, I'm a Nazi? Get real.
Holy Moley, maybe we haven't understood eachother. Was this mural done without permission of the building owner? I find it really hard to believe a business would make itself liable in that way.
ReplyDeleteNo where in any of my posts have I suggested that this was put up without the owner's permission.
ReplyDeleteI just didn't like it because it appeared to me (my opinion only) that it was a step up from graffiti and I don't appreciate anything related to graffiti given the illegal tagging and its connection to gang activity that has become a huge problem in this neighborhood. When I learned from their own website that they promote graffiti in its advertising, that cemented where I stood with that business. Any cuteness factor of that particular art piece went out the window.
So you really do judge an entire form of art based on the fact that sometimes kids vandalize private or public property with a similar aesthetic?
ReplyDelete2 thumbs up here
ReplyDeleteSo you really do judge an entire form of art based on the fact that sometimes kids vandalize private or public property with a similar aesthetic? -brint
ReplyDeleteNo, I judge an entire form of art based on the fact that 95% OF THE TIME kids vandalize private or public property with a similar aesthetic AND that this store encourages graffiti in its advertising.
Jason: This is a yearly event that takes place in cities around the world. Their Chicago event just happened in September. I was pretty disappointed that I wasn't able to attend. Yes, this is graffiti, but done in a respectful and positive, and LEGAL way: http://meetingofstyles.com/
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of other legal venues for this kind of art in Chicago. The city has multiple "permission walls" (some of which have been buffed over by the city without cause or permission from the owner), and many of these artists do pieces in more traditional formats (i.e. canvas) as well, since more than a few of them are students or graduates of various fine art programs. Some artists confine themselves to legal applications, while others clearly do not. But in any case, yes, there is plenty of support in Chicago for these artists to be creative in any number of positive ways, without resorting to vandalism. Graffiti and vandalism are (and with good cause) associated with one another, but they do not necessarily go hand-in-hand in all cases. Which is not to say that I think illegal or questionably legal street art doesn't have its place as well -- there has been graffiti as long as there has been written language. Illegal art (and here, I also include various forms the written word, music, whatever CAN be considered art) is actually a very interesting subject to me (hi there, I'm an art school dropout). In some cases, it's unquestionably nothing but destructive. In other cases, it makes us question certain societal values.
I also see a distinction between the kind of artwork seen on Wilson Yards vs. gang tags. For the most part, aside from the fact that the art materials may be the same or similar, the style is very much different in most cases. And the purpose is a whollllllle other kettle of fish.
Sorry, folks, if I'm rambling. I'm vomiting words as I think of them, without editing... and I'm up far past my bedtime :)
I do want to make one shorter comment to make one specific point more clear: tagging IS graffiti, but graffiti is NOT necessarily tagging. Gang tags ARE graffiti, but all tags are not necessarily gang tags. There are different motivational and encouragement factors in play in all of these cases, and the presence of one form of graffiti doesn't necessarily attract or encourage another (i.e. gang tags can potentially DIScourage certain other forms of art). There are totally different communities of people behind many of these distinct art forms.
ReplyDelete(Actually, disclaimer: I do not consider 99% of tags, gang or otherwise, to be art.)