Art in the Streets...Pt.1

As I still have some photos to edit...I'm going to do this blog in 2 parts.

Ben, Linda and I went to the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA) in L.A. today.  I was told by my friend Terri that the Art in the Streets exhibit was one of the biggest in the world right now...and I believe it. 

In San Diego, I've had a chance to see great pieces here and there in the city.  From Space invader to Shephard Fairey and many others...I was amazed to find out how much is actually here. 

Shephard Fairey - more popularly known
for his iconic images of Barack
Obama and the face of Andre the
Giant (also seen in this image)

So what is Street Art anyways?  Well as someone just learning about it myself, it's not just graffiti.  It has evolved into different facets.  The spray can is still a quinessential tool, but cut outs, paper, glue and lot of other tools come into the mix.  Some of it is destructive, some of it is made to deteriorate rather quickly.  At Art in the Streets, you see the timeline and how it has evolved.  You see street art making bold statements, such as Banksy's "I Hate Mondays." In this image, a kid in Darfur, seemingly starving and in need is wearing a rugged, oversized t-shirt with bright lettering "I Hate Mondays."  The colorful lettering pops out of the image against the drab neutrals used throughout.  It has that visual and subject matter contrast I've come to appreciate in Banksy's work. 

On the other end of the spectrum, artists like Space Invader create small aliens out of tile (similar to those from the early arcade game, Space Invader) and places them all over in conspicuous places.  His work is on the more light-hearted end of the spectrum, and most of the fun is in trying to find them :).

If the photos peak your interest, I encourage you to do 2 things (if you haven't already):
1) Rent the movie "Exit through the Gift Shop" - excellent film that will quickly get you up to speed, and entertain you the whole way through
2) Pay a visit to the Geffen MOCA in LA between now and August 8th (if you're anywhere nearby)

I hope you enjoy the photos.  As I have time, I will come back and add photos, artist names and descriptions.  Visit my website at www.ThePhotoBus.com/StreetArt to see more, or click on any of the images to go directly to the gallery photo.  Drop me a line and let me know what you think!

Cheers,
Ryan