Graffiti: Street
Art & Soul
a documentary film
Embedded Files
When does vandalism become art?
When does vandalism become art?
From urban decay to high-art. Graffiti is the most democratising form of art there is. There are no entry fees, there are no barriers, you can touch it, you can ignore it if you choose. You can even paint over it.
It's a sub-culture that's not hidden from view.
My documentary will focus on street art & the value it brings to local communities. It will look at local identity and how it is captured on public walls, I will explore the human compulsion to express ourselves, from tags to celebrated art - and how graffiti is often the perfect medium for that.
Many authorities have actually been able to tackle problems with vandalism and convert a problem into celebrated art spaces. Perhaps the solution to unwanted graffiti and the cost of cleaning it up, is to re-assess graffiti, embrace it, provide for it - allow members of the community to shape their cultural landscape, let our vandals be artists.
I want to highlight the success-stories of projects to create legal graffiti spaces (such as walls and underpasses) and show how street art has brought value to otherwise under-appreciated areas, in some cases it's been the driving force for regeneration and resulted in incredible outdoor artscapes which deserve to be appreciated, recognised alongside established art galleries as making a worthy contribution to the art scene.
It's important to understand how graffiti is inclusive, it frequently enables marginalised groups to express themselves using a very public platform.
For more information about me or about the interview process click: HERE.
Sometimes it's just cocks and balls…
Sometimes it's just cocks and balls…
Although my documentary will primarily concern itself with Street Art, it would be remiss of me to not touch on the negative aspects of graffiti. It's not all impressively technical murals - there are abusive daubings, property damage, and an inordinate amount of cock-and-ball images on bus shelters.
What do I want to achieve with the documentary?:
What do I want to achieve with the documentary?:
If my documentary helps to highlight the positive impact of street art and maybe encourage discussion around legal graffiti spots then I'll be more than chuffed. Designating legal walls and underpasses can really showcase local artistic talent and turn otherwise drab surfaces into something inspirational, even cherished.
Support the documentary:
Support the documentary:
I did initially attempt to raise some funds by encouraging people to back the documentary, with backers receiving a thank you in the credits and a pretty funky exclusive enamel pin-badge designed by myself. I'm no longer fundraising for the documentary as I decided to self-fund, but I have many pin badges left and if you want to support an independent production then any funds will go towards equipment and software licenses (I'm eyeing up a new light and a 32bit Mic).
There is a buy-me-a-coffee link below where you can back the project for £15, in return you'll get a thank-you in the credits and a rather splendid pin.
How else can I support the documentary?
How else can I support the documentary?
I have social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where I share photos of graffiti (all photos are my own). Follow those accounts to see some great street art, and for occasional updates on the documentary.
You can contact me via social media, you can also email me using the links below. If you know of any great graffiti spots - feel free to reach out and let me know.
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