Urban Art Association

I hate beggars at cash machines.

Seriously, what the hell do they think? I'm just going to hand over a £10/£20 note? I'm at the cash machine because "I" need money.

The "print" just makes me angry.

I know what your saying, the liklihood of somebody handing over a note is slim. Though I think its a smart move to sit near a cash machine. It tends to make me feel guilty thus more likley to dip into my pockets.

However I disagree with Karen this print is neither 'beautiful' or spectacular' imo. I hope it sells out for the sake of charity. But to me its nothing more than a decent photo, the web is full of them.

Is the robber
a) floating in the air (with a show cast under his left leg)
b) hopping
c) suffering because one leg is very much longer than the other?

99% of beggars in Glasgow are smackheads that are too lazy to do a decent days robbing. Its that simple.

They dont get a penny from me.

I do however buy the big issue on occassion, if the sellar looks clean and presentable.

Bah fcuking humbug.

B) Hopping for joy, as he has realised robbing people at cash machines coupled with his redundancy payout means he wont have to flip his grey nola to feed his family at christmas or go back to being an estate agent untill at least april.

Are the people in the photo hired to be there or are they just random folks waiting at the cash machine? I know if I was randomly waiting at a cash machine then at some point later I found out my photo had been taken, made into a print and offered for sale I would be pretty pissed off to say the least.

Hi Karen, There is no doubt that your work is for a very good cause. I know it can be hard graft raising money and sometimes a thankless task. The other projects on Above look great. I don't mean to be critical or de moralising. I was just very surprised to see this print was represented by a charity. My role was ironically in an excellent charity that found foster families for homeless children and orphans, whilst working to change European directives on Child poverty and assisting with the closure of institutionalised orphanages in Sub Saharan Africa and the former Eastern Block. I know how hard we all worked to vet everything that represented the charity to ensure that its excellent reputation was upheld and the confidence of its supporters who gave their money was maintained. Are reputation for thoroughness in our work was paramount to the charity's success and the future of thousands of children. My concern is that this image is both aggressive and offensive my personal reaction). I find it glorifies robbery. I am sure that the artist's intentions are honourable but it appears neither of us can be sure unless I contact him. To me this image is more about armed robbery than highlighting any gap between the rich and poor. But, all that said, if you guys are happy with it then its up to you. Good luck with the fundraising and any future projects.

-Hello James. Your last post was excellent and very informative. Thank you for this. Your past involvement in those charities and children's future was very impressive and honourable. You are also correct in that this image is very "graphic" or "shocking" with the imagery. This "shock" value and positioning is in my opinion the "Simply beautiful" part of this print. The composition of the photo, emotions, colors, and sadly ironic twist thrown in there. Like I had mentioned in earlier posts we are happy to know that people are reacting to this image.

As "Sputnikeye" said this thread " a very interesting thread with a lot of good discussion going on! More of these... has a lot of good discussion going on. "

- I think it is fair to say this image is aggressive but in my opinion only with just cause. It is the "shock" of the gun, and positioning that makes people react in combination with the other people in the photo. This is a very effective stencil with its simplicity, positioning and further more social statement it is imposing. Take another look at the photo. The facial expressions, and compositions are spot on. Since this print and fundraiser is about donating 100% of all the profits to the homeless. I feel like the "GIVING TO THE POOR" print should be as graphic and shocking as possible to get more people either involved directly or indirectly through other charities. By the looks of the views and comments here it is effective and getting people to talk. The next step is getting involved and its up to you to decide if you want to take it to that next level.

Did you see the video of this piece? at the end of the video Above put the proverb "THE GOOD INTENTION EXCUSES THE BAD ACTION." Perhaps it is safe to say that Above was already (and is) aware that this image is graphic and even though it could be interpreted negative. All we can do is try out best and hope that people are receptive to this project and other charitable projects in their communities.
Thank you James and everyone that is making this thread something with some content and social interest.
-Karen

Oops I forgot the video link of "GIVING TO THE POOR" I was talking about in my last post

-Karen

Untill now that is.

"do you need to steal in order to give? take the armed robber away and twist it...how about a stencil of the lady sitting on the floor giving money to the people at the ATM? she may not be poor!"

This is a concept SIMILAR to Robin hood. Of course the robber in the photo is not thy Robin Hood. However the concept of "Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor" is the similarity.

-We agree with you DOYLE. In no way do you need to steal in order to give. This stencil (gun) imposes that (perhaps for the street "shock" value) but this charitable fundraiser has other intentions. We feel that it is a "win/win" situation for those of you that get involved.
We offer a print for your wall and in return your money is donated to help out those who have less and need basic assistance like assistance with a bed, clothes, food or a shelter to sleep in. It is quite simple really! Both parties "win" not to mention the fact that you the feeling that you are making a difference and helping others in need.
-Karen

Should have swapped the gun for a banana!

wish you well on this print and hope it helps those in need.a great cause.