Machel Montano and Freetown Collective: Represent
This video was uploaded from YouTube.com. I see it as a fit video to highlight graffiti as it was encapsulated so well in this video. I first heard a member (M.Mawakil) of Freetown Collective in a staff retreat last year and enjoyed his talent. This is one of my favourite remixes and I'm so glad it captured the areas (Belmont, Port of Spain) we see as crime laden and "of no good" in a different light. The people here are talented and the place is not as bad as its stigma suggests. This is a positive,artistic representation of the city and the culture within the country (Carnival).
According to Gold and Revil et.al.(2004)cities can be traced by by positive and negative images often referred to as pro and anti-urban myths. Many see graffiti as anti urban and this can further be aligned to urban decay. If structures are not maintained or abandoned, then urban youths will put their artistic spin on it. It is a culture in Trinidad and Tobago to express oneself through various means and graffiti is one channel. From legalizing marijuana to power to the Sea Lots outcry of the killing of three innocent lives by a law enforcer. i once had the perception that graffiti equaled vandalism but now I see its art and a channel for ones voice to be heard when no one seems to listen, maybe they'll read.
All these images below were taken in the city of Port of Spain.
This is too often a common site around Trinidad, it becomes taboo really when you realize that even at institutions and places where you don't expect this 'graffiti' appears! I once saw lots of this somewhat 'artistic' vandalism at a police station in South. I was quite fascinating at the idea of this occurring at a place and space which represents authority.
ReplyDeleteReally, that's interesting. But again remember this is the same country which rents under a house for a police station. Even in schools this a trademark as students may want to leave their mark or legacy behind. I think as this is the culture maybe we should have designated areas for graffiti or murals so citizens can express themselves; but this may also pose problem as well.
ReplyDeleteGraffiti is political, and the political is personal -- expression, yes, but it may not be as much about "artistry" as it is about carving a place in the city and depicting a "voice" graphically.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell us a little more about graffiti in geography?
Super photos!
Don't forget to provide full references.