Skip to content

Graffiti strategy in Nelson questionable

This is advertising in a form of yet another uninspired/inspiring local graffito, lent legitimacy by having been paid for.
48065westernstarIMG_1174
The Vogue work could be just the start in a transformation for Nelson's back alleys.

Re: Page 1 story “Art on their own terms” (September 13, 2013)

This is advertising in a form of yet another uninspired/inspiring local graffito, lent legitimacy by having been paid for. What Gabriele Mayrhofer calls a “pro” — the reporter calls “graffiti vandals.” Both are right — both are wrong; and both may benefit from familiarizing themselves with the historio-cultural purpose/extent of graffiti.

Looking at this particular piece without an appropriate camera setting, it’s an overpowering mess. And letting Ms. Mayrhofer and her pro — with their particular vision of art — loose on the whole east-side of the building is asking for trouble. Until this back alley is given a definitive life within the parameters of the Official Community Plan, it will remain a little-walked dumpster alley.

Who cares about a bit of half-hearted tagging there, it’s out of general sight. Covering all surfaces with questionably motivated/conceived/executed “pro-art” does not guarantee nobody will tag on top of it. It also may push taggers from back-alley to main street.

Claus Lao Schunke

Nelson