26 Jul Spray and Tell: Discover the vibrant world of Graffiti Art at The Old Butcher Shop in Barney Point
Embracing the Vivid Tapestry of Street Art and Graffiti
Street art has come a long way from its early roots in defiant graffiti to a more commercialised form of art. One significant distinction lies in the messaging. Street art now aims to provoke thought rather than rejection among the audience by making its purpose more evident than traditional graffiti.
Christian Griffiths, the Curator and Director of The Sauce Studio Gladstone, shared some valuable insights about his journey in the world of art.
“As a kid, I was always fascinated with MAD magazine. When I first encountered letter bending graffiti, my mind was instantly blown!”
“As a teenager, graffiti art allowed me to forge a sense of identity using a nickname or tag. It also served as a creative outlet to express my ideas and thoughts,” added Christian.
“I’ve been doing aerosol art and murals for almost 30 years and I’m still learning. I have never identified as a street artist though, as my background has been deeply ingrained in Hip Hop and the four main elements of subcultures,”
“I aim to clarify the distinction between graffiti and street art, as they originate from two distinct subcultures. The primary stylistic contrast lies in the fact that graffiti is primarily centred around the lettering, while street art primarily revolves around pictorial elements,”
“I believe good art should challenge perceptions, and I love engaging people to interpret their own meaning from my work. Street art tends to conform to the familiar, while graffiti remains unapologetic and rejects the notion of conformity.” said Christian.
While graffiti remains rooted in rebellious lettering, street art has evolved into a captivating and thought-provoking medium of visual storytelling. The distinct subcultures from which these art forms emerge offer unique perspectives, adding depth and richness to the urban art landscape.
As we continue to embrace and appreciate these forms of expression, we celebrate the power of art to challenge conventions, inspire creativity, and foster a deeper connection between artists and audiences alike. Let us wholeheartedly embrace the diversity of street art and graffiti, acknowledging and cherishing their unique contributions to the colourful fabric of contemporary art and culture.
If you appreciate street art, consider visiting The Old Butcher Shop in Barney Point to witness some breathtaking graffiti!
