A Stone's Throw

practice your aim. you never know when you'll spy 2 birds at once.

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Graffiti Paradise




A couple days ago I had the chance to go on a tour of a couple of neighborhoods in Buenos Aires in search of the best street art. Street art, graffiti, tagging, whatever you call it, has a long tradition in Latin America, and over the last decade Buenos Aires has become the canvas of many artists, both local, and from all over the world.

The government here quickly realized that it was better to promote street art, rather than criminalize it, and thus force people into other shady dealings in the dark of night. Therefore, for those pieces that are found to be of exceptional quality, the art is allowed to stand for quite awhile - years in some cases.

I haven't had a chance to see all of the art in BA - that would take years - but here is a sampling of some of the art that struck me most.




This artist goes by JAZ, and is a graffiti legend. In this piece he says (via interview) he was attempting to understand the monster within combative sports.

Another work by JAZ.


This one is by ICE.


The next four are by the Triangulo Dorado, or Golden Triangle. They tend to concentrate on metaphysical works, and often incorporate gold into their pictures, something inspired by works by Gustav Klimt. The first three are part of a three mural piece (a triptych) called "Titian's Dream", or "El Sueno del Titian".

The last piece by Triangulo Dorado is called "CVM - Patientia".
"CVM - Patientia"
I think this final work is by BLUE - internationally renowned, with even a film made about his work. I really love how this strange antlered animal is manipulating some machine that controls the city and creatures within. Bizarre, yet interesting.

I'll post more art as I come across it. And I'm also going to try to meet some of these artists on their own turf. Stay tuned for that.

- C

4 Comments:

  • At 6:04 AM , Anonymous Dale said...

    I see little difference between Argentinian graffiti and fine art here in America. If you let the artists go crazy they'll give you something beautiful.

     
  • At 3:37 PM , Blogger Caleb Jordan Schulz said...

    I agree. In fact, not too long ago, one guy locally used some sort of technique and literally lifted some of the best graffiti from the cement walls. He then took the art (stolen, technically) to his gallery and put it up for auction.

    So, the artists quickly got wind of this, and stormed the gallery night, and tagged everything in sight like a scene from 12 Monkeys.

    Later, the artists said that their art was an expression and meant to be free for everyone. Not for making money.

    Moral: leave street art alone or you could have a dozen crazy artists running amuck in your house with spraypaint.

     
  • At 9:01 AM , Blogger Birdie said...

    Quite expressive. Reminiscent of NYC I think.

     
  • At 9:02 AM , Blogger Birdie said...

    Quite expressive. Reminiscent of NYC I think :)

     

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home