Urban Art Association

'Special Import' & 'Bulimic Barbie', by LEVI C on Jan 20, 2010 20:03:35 GMT 1,

Jan 20, 2010 13:37:18 GMT 1 bmjt said:

Interesting idea and great execution, but not sure it works as a wall/canvas piece. One of a number of pieces that have been shown on the forum that are probably better suited to being put on the street making a political statement, rather than in someone's house. My personal preference when it comes to decorating my flat leans toward pieces I regard as beautiful first and foremost, followed by political message - i.e. In my opinion a piece cannot survive on message alone when it comes to furnishing a personal space.

That is a fair point and I appreciate your own preference if "decorating" your house. There's certainly no shortage of pretty stuff about but it's not my thing. When I first thought of these it did cross my mind that people might not want a suicide bomber in their lounge and 6 months ago it would have stopped me creating them. Recently I decided to create ideas I feel are strong and not be influenced by potential markets. This way I believe each will contribute to a 'true' body of work and direction for me. Hope that makes sense.

In response to this sentence: "My personal preference when it comes to decorating my flat leans toward pieces I regard as beautiful first and foremost, followed by political message" - Don't forget the name of this forum man, suppose you wouldn't want a Banksy rat in your flat then?


I dissagree with your opinion that "a piece cannot survive on message alone" or at least think it's far too general. Surely it would depend on the type of buyer. Collectors often put ironic/humorous messages in hallways/toilets to entertain visitors and show off 'their' choice/find (if you think about it, it's similar to putting it on the street - sharing the humour). I wouldn't have thought for one minute a 'non collector' would buy this image, I'll leave them for Ikea!

thanks for your opinion, I don't want to come across defensive, but it's something I feel strongly about - I believe the new stencil art movement to be an entirely new genre of art that doesn't often carry 'beauty' as one of it's qualities. Pioneered by Mr B, but still being defined by suprisingly few.

Levi

Jan 20, 2010 13:37:18 GMT 1 bmjt said:

Interesting idea and great execution, but not sure it works as a wall/canvas piece. One of a number of pieces that have been shown on the forum that are probably better suited to being put on the street making a political statement, rather than in someone's house. My personal preference when it comes to decorating my flat leans toward pieces I regard as beautiful first and foremost, followed by political message - i.e. In my opinion a piece cannot survive on message alone when it comes to furnishing a personal space.

That is a fair point and I appreciate your own preference if "decorating" your house. There's certainly no shortage of pretty stuff about but it's not my thing. When I first thought of these it did cross my mind that people might not want a suicide bomber in their lounge and 6 months ago it would have stopped me creating them. Recently I decided to create ideas I feel are strong and not be influenced by potential markets. This way I believe each will contribute to a 'true' body of work and direction for me. Hope that makes sense.

In response to this sentence: "My personal preference when it comes to decorating my flat leans toward pieces I regard as beautiful first and foremost, followed by political message" - Don't forget the name of this forum man, suppose you wouldn't want a Banksy rat in your flat then?


I dissagree with your opinion that "a piece cannot survive on message alone" or at least think it's far too general. Surely it would depend on the type of buyer. Collectors often put ironic/humorous messages in hallways/toilets to entertain visitors and show off 'their' choice/find (if you think about it, it's similar to putting it on the street - sharing the humour). I wouldn't have thought for one minute a 'non collector' would buy this image, I'll leave them for Ikea!

thanks for your opinion, I don't want to come across defensive, but it's something I feel strongly about - I believe the new stencil art movement to be an entirely new genre of art that doesn't often carry 'beauty' as one of it's qualities. Pioneered by Mr B, but still being defined by suprisingly few.

Levi