Berlin 1983
http://westberlin.tumblr.com/post/9131871961/admiralstrasse-ecke-fraenkelufer-1983-in-bauen
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Graffiti Wars - What Happened Next?
Graffiti Wars was a documentary that was shown earlier this month on Channel 4 during the street art weekend also featuring the 'Antics Roadshow'. It told of the recent 'spat' between Robbo and Banksy. That started because of this piece :
A straightforward enough affront to Robbo as Banksy's incorporated Robbo's piece without asking permission. Big deal? You may say. And to an extent I agree, as a piece it was great, but it was also a calculated diss. Banksy knew what he was doing. And the documentary follows Robbo as he changes Banksy pieces and then Banksy changes them once more. To the outsider it's pretty puerile. Eine is interviewed discussing the difference between graf and stencils. Blek has a little whinge about Banksy stealing his ideas, which for the most part is sour grapes (yes they've both used stencils, rats etc etc, but Blek wholly failed to develop the idea). Robbo goes on to have a show at Pure Evils, a smack of hypocrisy, but who am I to criticise him trying to cash in, actually I did fucking criticise it. And then the show disarmingly ends with the news Robbo has fallen from a ladder and is now in an induced coma.
What next?
There were two inaccuracies as far as I could tell. They stated two people at Pure Evil's show were connected to Banksy and one was his publicist. That person was not. It has since be said that they were plants by the show? True or not? I don't know. They also stated Pure Evil's gallery put Banksy 'on the map' which is plainly fucking insane. These were the only inaccuracies I could see.
What did this show tell us? (comments please, as I learnt very little).
Banksy had an issue with Robbo (possibly dating back to Robbo giving him a slap when they met in the 90's)
The show was plainly from the Robbo camp, Banksy was asked to comment but did his usual 'sage' lines of little note, that didn't help at all.
Banksy's not the first person to use stencils
Robbo sold some work as a result of this argument
That Robbo's fans have blind hatred for Banksy, monotonous to say the least(comments after the tv show)
That Banksy's fans for the main will blindly follow him like snvelling wretches who are ever so slightly pathetic (comments after the tv show).
Robbo is now in a coma and the argument should be laid to rest.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
http://pobel.no/
Pobel has a new site to browse. It's refreshing to see stencils in a new scenery, with a different take on humour and message. Yes stylistically similar to Banksy but apart in content, which is enough.
And the below, street art in the gallery space again enough originality to work.
Dolk needs to take a look and reevaluate.
And the below, street art in the gallery space again enough originality to work.
Dolk needs to take a look and reevaluate.
Perspexed Life
Street Art gets a layer of Perspex, what does it become? What else on our streets has a layer of Perspex? Why the need for protection? Are we scared to let go? Does everything of monetary value need protection?
Friday, August 26, 2011
Coffee Table Street Art Culture
It's official the chattering classes are interested
This Guardian piece proves street art is firmly ensconced in the radar of the dull and witless. Unable to grasp the difference between graffiti and street art the writer flails around, making some cannily accurate descriptions of what's going on.
'No wonder an event described as "the UK's biggest street art project" (60 artists from all over the world decorating Nelson Street in Bristol last week) went down fairly quietly in the national press. It's not that new or surprising any more, let alone controversial. Nowadays, doing a bit of street art is as routine as checking your emails. There's probably an app for it.'
Whilst missing the point wholly, other than to point out the obvious.
Then there's this which starts with a complete load of shit
'A household name. That’s what Banksy is. Not since Thomas Pynchon has a more unwilling man been more sought after'
Unwilling really? You haven't noticed the media machinery that encapsulates everything he does then? But this article goes on to point out the process of 'institutionalization':
'Call it “commodification of dissent”, the production of a “commodity form”, or the “culture industry”, once subculture gets into the machine, it never comes out again intact. Cultural theorist Stuart Hall calls this process of institutionalization “a moment of profound danger”. For once you’re on their turf at their behest, what exactly is it that you’re doing there?'
There's something for you to discuss while you're at Ikea. The question is, where does this art form go next? Yes the graffiti will continue as it's neither pretty, funny, astute enough to be commodified to any great extent...yet. Will any make it out of the Street Art market? Will any step back realise there's is a bastardised form with little to no merit ? Step fully into the art arena and stop with the false pretense? Or will a few decide they did this for another reason?
You see Dr Funky doesn't mind that street artists sold out, he doesn't mind that they sell work, he doesn't mind that scene changed, what Dr Funky does mind, is the fucking bullshit, the weak lame insipid work, the lack of any social motive, the lack of 'spark'. This blog is a fucking challenge to any of you that will listen. Head in the sand make a few more dollars before people see you for what you are? Or do something, re-evaluate, show that a wall is still a weapon? Or just fuck off.
This Guardian piece proves street art is firmly ensconced in the radar of the dull and witless. Unable to grasp the difference between graffiti and street art the writer flails around, making some cannily accurate descriptions of what's going on.
'No wonder an event described as "the UK's biggest street art project" (60 artists from all over the world decorating Nelson Street in Bristol last week) went down fairly quietly in the national press. It's not that new or surprising any more, let alone controversial. Nowadays, doing a bit of street art is as routine as checking your emails. There's probably an app for it.'
Whilst missing the point wholly, other than to point out the obvious.
Then there's this which starts with a complete load of shit
'A household name. That’s what Banksy is. Not since Thomas Pynchon has a more unwilling man been more sought after'
Unwilling really? You haven't noticed the media machinery that encapsulates everything he does then? But this article goes on to point out the process of 'institutionalization':
'Call it “commodification of dissent”, the production of a “commodity form”, or the “culture industry”, once subculture gets into the machine, it never comes out again intact. Cultural theorist Stuart Hall calls this process of institutionalization “a moment of profound danger”. For once you’re on their turf at their behest, what exactly is it that you’re doing there?'
There's something for you to discuss while you're at Ikea. The question is, where does this art form go next? Yes the graffiti will continue as it's neither pretty, funny, astute enough to be commodified to any great extent...yet. Will any make it out of the Street Art market? Will any step back realise there's is a bastardised form with little to no merit ? Step fully into the art arena and stop with the false pretense? Or will a few decide they did this for another reason?
You see Dr Funky doesn't mind that street artists sold out, he doesn't mind that they sell work, he doesn't mind that scene changed, what Dr Funky does mind, is the fucking bullshit, the weak lame insipid work, the lack of any social motive, the lack of 'spark'. This blog is a fucking challenge to any of you that will listen. Head in the sand make a few more dollars before people see you for what you are? Or do something, re-evaluate, show that a wall is still a weapon? Or just fuck off.
give up give up give up
A poster for your daughter's bedroom, for the kitchen wall, a contrite message for those that need to be reminded not to fall out the car and get their head caught under a tyre. If people think this print will be worth anything other than in the next ten minutes on Ebay, maybe they should give up.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Nuart…………..CAPITALISM?
Where to begin with this? Firstly, if you've the willpower read this page ..... fucking hell, someone sat down with a thesaurus and tried and tried and trieddddd to find a reason for this 'show'.
If you've haven't the time, I've pulled out some choice quotes below.
'The street art scene has a long tradition of commenting on issues related to capitalism. '
Really? I must have missed those in recent times, I've seen very very little in terms of any critique of capitalism from street artists. Alot of repeated imagery of artistic styles but incredibly little in the way of critique. But Funky what about those damning stencils of of of a large masked boy with kiddie hankie on? Surely that's commenting on issues of capitalism? Why yes, in such a forthright way that it's mistaken for a pastiche and enjoyed for totally the wrong reasons. You see street art no longer comments on anything other than it's ability to sell an image to it's adoring public. No cause, anger, intrigue or raise wit to raise questions, there's no one with balls enough to take it on. Just a steady stream of artists getting work up to sell a print, a canvas, a fucking mouse mat.
'“______ capitalism?” may seem like a simple (and incomplete) question, but it is loaded with information about what the Nuart/NHH art-project is all about.'
It's loaded with the possibility of realising street artists love the mechanics of capitalism, are a microcosm of it's workings and have no idea of the economic principles at play.
'Second, “_____capitalism?” make a clear reference to the history of anti-authoritative capitalist critique coming from the street art scene, where the word “f**k” usually has filled the blank. '
'anti-authoritative capitalist critique' repeat that enough times and someone may believe you? No I can't remember anyone using it, but I'm sure someones creating a print with that slogan as we speak.
'Third, “___ capitalism?” makes a clear reference to the 75 years anniversary of NHH'
FINALLY the real reason behind this decrepit idea, the anniversary of this educational institute + of course an advert for Nuart.
'The project offers a unique opportunity to bring the work of often subversive and anti authoritarian political artists into the “lion’s den” of the economic and political elite.'
The lions den? An educational institute is the lions den? Forgive me if I point out this is the most likely place to find those harbouring the most knowledge and ability to critique capitalism.
So to surmise, a show that brings together economists and street artists. A meeting as meaningful as bringing together Stephen Hawking and Usain Bolt. And like hopefully to get some students to come along to Nuart.
If you've haven't the time, I've pulled out some choice quotes below.
'The street art scene has a long tradition of commenting on issues related to capitalism. '
Really? I must have missed those in recent times, I've seen very very little in terms of any critique of capitalism from street artists. Alot of repeated imagery of artistic styles but incredibly little in the way of critique. But Funky what about those damning stencils of of of a large masked boy with kiddie hankie on? Surely that's commenting on issues of capitalism? Why yes, in such a forthright way that it's mistaken for a pastiche and enjoyed for totally the wrong reasons. You see street art no longer comments on anything other than it's ability to sell an image to it's adoring public. No cause, anger, intrigue or raise wit to raise questions, there's no one with balls enough to take it on. Just a steady stream of artists getting work up to sell a print, a canvas, a fucking mouse mat.
'“______ capitalism?” may seem like a simple (and incomplete) question, but it is loaded with information about what the Nuart/NHH art-project is all about.'
It's loaded with the possibility of realising street artists love the mechanics of capitalism, are a microcosm of it's workings and have no idea of the economic principles at play.
'Second, “_____capitalism?” make a clear reference to the history of anti-authoritative capitalist critique coming from the street art scene, where the word “f**k” usually has filled the blank. '
'anti-authoritative capitalist critique' repeat that enough times and someone may believe you? No I can't remember anyone using it, but I'm sure someones creating a print with that slogan as we speak.
'Third, “___ capitalism?” makes a clear reference to the 75 years anniversary of NHH'
FINALLY the real reason behind this decrepit idea, the anniversary of this educational institute + of course an advert for Nuart.
'The project offers a unique opportunity to bring the work of often subversive and anti authoritarian political artists into the “lion’s den” of the economic and political elite.'
The lions den? An educational institute is the lions den? Forgive me if I point out this is the most likely place to find those harbouring the most knowledge and ability to critique capitalism.
So to surmise, a show that brings together economists and street artists. A meeting as meaningful as bringing together Stephen Hawking and Usain Bolt. And like hopefully to get some students to come along to Nuart.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Anonymous Says 'Are You Scared of the Big Targets Funky?'
'Are you scared of the big targets? Why do you pick on Vandalog when you could instead focus on the hugely influential but totally self sucking BS that is Wooster Collective. Media professionals who milk the scene for every last wallet filling vanity massaging drop, they screw the gullible with their fan boy shite and you stand by mute.
You need to look real close to understand how they exercise an editorial selectivity designed to promote their own self importance (perceptible only to themselves). At least from time to time what Vandalog farts into the ether is based on their own leg work, experience and opinions. Compare and contrast with Wooster whose efforts are limited to a selective read of their own inbox and a print out of their own public engagements diary. Fuck help us if they ever put a film out.
Yet you pick on Vandalog, you fucking bully, Wooster too big for you?
PS I think you are a cunt too so I have sent a similar but opposite message to those cunts at Wooster, just for balance and to see if either message survives in the public realm. '
Dr Funky says - no agenda, not out to get anyone more than anyone else, fucked if I care if they're big or small, although actually the smaller and insignificant the less likely I'm going to say anything
think I miss something or someone? fucking tell me, email me, comment, you'll get a post out of it, just like this opionionated fucker did
You need to look real close to understand how they exercise an editorial selectivity designed to promote their own self importance (perceptible only to themselves). At least from time to time what Vandalog farts into the ether is based on their own leg work, experience and opinions. Compare and contrast with Wooster whose efforts are limited to a selective read of their own inbox and a print out of their own public engagements diary. Fuck help us if they ever put a film out.
Yet you pick on Vandalog, you fucking bully, Wooster too big for you?
PS I think you are a cunt too so I have sent a similar but opposite message to those cunts at Wooster, just for balance and to see if either message survives in the public realm. '
Dr Funky says - no agenda, not out to get anyone more than anyone else, fucked if I care if they're big or small, although actually the smaller and insignificant the less likely I'm going to say anything
think I miss something or someone? fucking tell me, email me, comment, you'll get a post out of it, just like this opionionated fucker did
Monday, August 22, 2011
D*Faces critique of rabid consumerism!
or you know some bright colours to advertise a street art night on tv
or you know a plainly awful clown falling over gag, the kids will hopefully like it
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Street Art the co-opting, weak, tired, corporate, bloated, pathetic goodbye
'Weapon of Choice are proud to present the official ‘See No Evil pop up gallery’ based at the heart of the event on Nelson Street. Which will be showcasing original artwork, limited edition prints and clothing from a wide range of the artists taking part in the event, along with official ‘See No Evil’ merchandise.'
fuck
fuck
fuck
FUCK
fuck
fuck
fuck
Is this what we're left with? a pop up gallery. Nothing says an exciting city to visit, like a fucking shop. Nothing says an exciting city to visit like painting some walls, in a safe productive manner, look at the pretty pictures mummy, we can all feel safe knowing that wonderful creative individuals can be brought in from the cold and help society in a positive manner.
What are you doing?
It all becomes nothing. If all you want is to do is be an advert writer for the tourist board than so be it, don't expect me to pretend to respect, or regard it as anything worthy of analysis. Let's bury our head in the sand and sell some more art and be sure to dress it up as something worthy. Let's try not to think of the heritage of protest of what the fuck is going on in the world. The walls the last non-moderated canvas, don't ask for permission, don't say yes to corporate paymasters who want to use you, it's not getting 'up', it's nothing, nothing but a tired joke for the molly coddled, middle classes to scared to ask any real questions.
Street artists travel the world painting murals, mundane, tired, effective murals, to advertise something here, something there, a show here, a show there.
The world is burning, regimes fucking disintegrating, fat fucking bloated bankers taking the working people for every last penny they have, governments creating soundbites to hypnotise people too tired to think, cunts at all levels looking for cheap fixes for long term problems. Greed burning people's souls, leaving empty vessels fed with quick fixes of reality bullshit, the next fucking trend, the twitter generation too quick and too slow to read anything.
Do you see anything, anything other than your wallet? Your artistic credibility? Your forumblogflickrtwitter followers cupping your balls and saying an empty 'sweet'?
Street Art is Dead long live Market Economy Town Art
you're time is up, you're part of the problem.
fuck
fuck
fuck
FUCK
fuck
fuck
fuck
Is this what we're left with? a pop up gallery. Nothing says an exciting city to visit, like a fucking shop. Nothing says an exciting city to visit like painting some walls, in a safe productive manner, look at the pretty pictures mummy, we can all feel safe knowing that wonderful creative individuals can be brought in from the cold and help society in a positive manner.
What are you doing?
It all becomes nothing. If all you want is to do is be an advert writer for the tourist board than so be it, don't expect me to pretend to respect, or regard it as anything worthy of analysis. Let's bury our head in the sand and sell some more art and be sure to dress it up as something worthy. Let's try not to think of the heritage of protest of what the fuck is going on in the world. The walls the last non-moderated canvas, don't ask for permission, don't say yes to corporate paymasters who want to use you, it's not getting 'up', it's nothing, nothing but a tired joke for the molly coddled, middle classes to scared to ask any real questions.
Street artists travel the world painting murals, mundane, tired, effective murals, to advertise something here, something there, a show here, a show there.
The world is burning, regimes fucking disintegrating, fat fucking bloated bankers taking the working people for every last penny they have, governments creating soundbites to hypnotise people too tired to think, cunts at all levels looking for cheap fixes for long term problems. Greed burning people's souls, leaving empty vessels fed with quick fixes of reality bullshit, the next fucking trend, the twitter generation too quick and too slow to read anything.
Do you see anything, anything other than your wallet? Your artistic credibility? Your forumblogflickrtwitter followers cupping your balls and saying an empty 'sweet'?
Street Art is Dead long live Market Economy Town Art
you're time is up, you're part of the problem.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Anonymous Says 'Dr Funky's F*cked Up Sh*t'
late last night Funk towers echoed to my lone ukuele strumming out a sad song of cleaning windows only for them to be smashed in the gay abandon of capitalist sin, ah to dream a dream of a green and pleasant land where life was somehow less putrid.
I digress, a day or so ago Dr Funky wrote a frankly weak post on a Jaz piece and got this in return, a deserved swift kick to his disco nuts, MORE of this you lazy fuckers so I can think even less than now.
'wow, AWESOME, this is some crazy fucked upness! Like those horses and riders don't have heads, that's some serious shit right there! Good spot Funky...
Or is it a really mundane hobby-craft art piece! If you like this sort of craft you should check out the endless Brazilian brightly coloured ethnic craft (thats all starts to blend into one) and is constantly pushed by Vandalog and the likes of Tristan Manco. You're going to dig that shit (in a good way). Also that stuff same as this piece will give your tastes an air of sophistication, an easy one step approach to separate yourself from "Pop" thus defining yourself as a more worthy commentator, same short-sightness and laziness here that plays out on Vandalog.
Just post a piece that fits a preconception of a more cultural intelligence to a small group of people (this is usually done with work that has an ethic, abstract, or elements of surrealism)... Then you just have to say "Fucked up Shit" "Awesome" or an otherwise empty comment and then hey presto, validation for the publishers' worth as a critic, in their minds anyway! You're not so different any more Funky to all the other blogs!
The more i see this shit enjoyed by a select few that supposedly know more about the scene and take delight in showing people what they're into with little thought... The more i want to try and like the big bright crap letters of Eine, at least he is not pretending that he is not a cooperate artist and not excepting any thought from his audience.... Where as this, Funky, is empty pretentious crap...
So it is just fucked up shit! (how ever you want to be seen)'
I digress, a day or so ago Dr Funky wrote a frankly weak post on a Jaz piece and got this in return, a deserved swift kick to his disco nuts, MORE of this you lazy fuckers so I can think even less than now.
'wow, AWESOME, this is some crazy fucked upness! Like those horses and riders don't have heads, that's some serious shit right there! Good spot Funky...
Or is it a really mundane hobby-craft art piece! If you like this sort of craft you should check out the endless Brazilian brightly coloured ethnic craft (thats all starts to blend into one) and is constantly pushed by Vandalog and the likes of Tristan Manco. You're going to dig that shit (in a good way). Also that stuff same as this piece will give your tastes an air of sophistication, an easy one step approach to separate yourself from "Pop" thus defining yourself as a more worthy commentator, same short-sightness and laziness here that plays out on Vandalog.
Just post a piece that fits a preconception of a more cultural intelligence to a small group of people (this is usually done with work that has an ethic, abstract, or elements of surrealism)... Then you just have to say "Fucked up Shit" "Awesome" or an otherwise empty comment and then hey presto, validation for the publishers' worth as a critic, in their minds anyway! You're not so different any more Funky to all the other blogs!
The more i see this shit enjoyed by a select few that supposedly know more about the scene and take delight in showing people what they're into with little thought... The more i want to try and like the big bright crap letters of Eine, at least he is not pretending that he is not a cooperate artist and not excepting any thought from his audience.... Where as this, Funky, is empty pretentious crap...
So it is just fucked up shit! (how ever you want to be seen)'
See No Evil Bristol - what's the point?
Some big big murals going up across Bristol, here's Walkers
Spindly vandal is throwing away his paint? Let's hope so.
An urban art exhibition to promote Bristol, to show it's a creative dynamic hub - is there anything more fucking shitty than the council using street art? Possibly the artists who think that getting involved will help their careers.
Fucking hell.
What a dire mess of shit work, but at least your kid gets a picture. It's Leicester square with urban authenticity. It's time a load of you fuckers packed up your spray cans, moved to Milton Keynes and lived the modern dream.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Once upon a time Dr Funky had an opinion
then he realised, oh fuck it, just read some shit I came across the other day
' First up, do you reckon that street art will/can keep its integrity in the future, or will it just be consumed as another commodity by the art market?
' First up, do you reckon that street art will/can keep its integrity in the future, or will it just be consumed as another commodity by the art market?
Part of it will keep its integrity, that part being the illegal unwanted, confrontational part. The part that is angry that’s disaffected, that believes society needs to be reminded that there’s more to life than endless consumption and believing everything you’re sold. Not everything has a price for some there is more.
What about the relationship between advertising and street art? Agencies using similar techniques and ideas to street art in order to get their product out to the consumer, which are sometimes hard to identify as an advertisements for instance.
The modern market economy sanitises everything and sells it back to us. Counter culture is mass produced on t shirt slogans, on cups, on posters, in adverts; the relationship has been there for as long as there’s been demographic analysis within advertising.
What are the implications when collaboration with brands?
The implication is simple, you sell your inspiration to the highest bidder, it lessens its creditability and begs the question ‘what does it mean, if you’re willing to be a prostitute for the society you’re supposedly critiquing?’
The relationship between galleries and street art is becoming increasingly close. What do you think are the peculiarities when deciding to work with a gallery?
It’s an outlet for your work from which you want to make money. Is it wrong? It depends on what you stand for and whether you choose it as a career or as a passion outside of your paid life.
Beyond doubt, the context of street is what its all about. What happens with this urban context when a show is put up in a gallery?
The context is simple, it’s no longer street, it is contemporary modern art.
All the big auction houses have established proper urban art sales. Is the sale, and financial profit from street art not a bit of a contradiction?
yes
You can buy mugs, bags, posters, canvases, if you’re well off even a wall with a Banksy on… so how does this commercial and consumer hype affect the essence of street art?
It affects the essence of Banksy’s street art, by reducing its message and meaning.
What about the allegations of street art and/or its artists selling out?
Many were always about making profit, you can’t sell out if you were already sold.
Do you think that the artist, as a creative individual gets lost in the whole process?
If all they’re sole aim is money the creative process wasn’t there to begin with.
Being commercial is obviously not the aim of street art, so how can artists work against this phenomenon?
By getting back on the street, getting a shit job they hate and remembering what made them fucking angry.'
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Welcome to the West Country
hmmm, its tough to be critical when it's the street art equivalent of the wurzels song (but less funny) hang on that maybe critical.....
Pochoir 'Riot'
this is the street art contribution to all the shit of last week, an 'ha' , not even a 'ha ha'
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Antique Joke Show
So Banksy produced 'The Antics Roadshow' which aired this weekend, worryingly it felt like being transported back to the 90's and Eurotrash, if this is a career move I guess we can expect a slot on Daybreak soon?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Anonymous says 'Vhils Levis Work'
was reading this article
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/aug/11/levis-riot-ad-uk-violence?intcmp=239
and had a look at the advert it mention on YT and was recommended the vid below.
Levi's - Now is our TIME! launch in Berlin - Vhils explosion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=HQUUknfjqNY
Is raging against commercialism like pissing into the wind.?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
London Credit Card
Pow maybe be insipid, but what the fuck is this?
An edition of 2 from an artist I struggle to even acknowledge Leftery, riots, brick, cunt
An edition of 2 from an artist I struggle to even acknowledge Leftery, riots, brick, cunt
Pacolli at Pow
The latest artist and show to feature at Pow, an 70's tribute artist? Is that cool? Maybe. But if this is the high point I'm worried
Back from a Night on the Town
just in time to witness some more ill conceived badly timed dross
And just when you thought they couldn't get anymore deseparate, to drum up a little interest how does this joke sway you? A timely reminder of who Pure Evil is
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Blu at Draw the Line Italy
Another imposing, provocative mural, but, does this seem wide of the mark when it comes to the monetary shitstorm Italy is very much in the middle of?
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