When Graffiti Crosses Into Art

April 6, 2018
In case you missed it ...

Whether you love it, like it, hate it, or loath it, Twitter is an amazing place. You can post photos of your food, but it seems there's a better app for that. You can post how your feeling a particular morning hoping someone out there will relate and "like" it, but there's a better app for that. 

Now in its 12th year, Twitter has found a niche place for quick posts from either news sources, politicians, comedians and people who think they're comedians. Oh, and there's also regular people who just tweet about what interests them.

On April 3, one such person by the username "eddo_" found some unusual graffiti in Brighton, UK, and decided to share it with the world. It itself was .... dare I say it ... unremarkable. Someone took to themselves and painted out what seems to be the meme: "Barely Alive Clive".

Generally, the majority of graffiti gets walked by. Ignored. The meaning lost to who do not have the training to interpret. If you are one of those well-educated few, please, by all means and pop down into the comments and try your hand at coming up with a meaning.

What caught our Twitter user's eye was the effort someone took to add to the wall: a description normally regulated to the local art gallery. It reads as follows:

"Title unknown
BA Crew, 2018

The artist juxtaposes the unapologetic, upright arc of the C with the melting, fading Es, to represent the turbulent existence of 'Clive'. This is reinforced by the inconsistent capitalisation of the lettering, signalling a disregard for academic regiment or societal order, echoed in the deft use of the anarchic A symbolism. This, along with the crosses used to dot the i's, evidence the artist's disillusionment with the rules enforced by British society. The forced simplicity of the colour palette itself is used as a statement to reject traditional art forms that rely on ornate or decorative charm alone. Instead this piece carries the viewer with it, and culminates in a drastic downward course, resonating with the piece's message of being 'bare[ly] alive' by implying a slow and inevitable end to human existence. The viewer must conclude: we are all barley alive."

I'll spare you the internet's reactions, let's just say people are getting a little existential about it. 

And now for something completely different 

In a completely unrelated effort, nearly 4,000+ miles away, it seems there are others looking to apply a different eye to graffiti to raise awareness in an attempt to prevent future vandalism.

The Alcatraz East Crime Museum, out of Pigeon Force, Tenn., has announced a clever program to try and combat the costly graffiti in the area. While some other cities have developed alternative programs by installing more light in areas or commissioning murals, Alcatraz East has created their first Graffiti Art Contest.

As quoted in their April 5 press release, “Graffiti is a serious issue that cities around the country deal with on a daily basis,” states Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer for Alcatraz East. “We want people to understand how costly vandalism is and raise awareness on programs that provide a solution.”

This isn't just a "thanks for participating, here's a hug and certificate", they're putting up real cash to entice participants. Prizes range from $750 down to $200. According to the release, "artists must be at least 18, the artwork must be a crime-related subject, and it’s only open to individuals, not teams." The contest will be held June 2.

Vaccarello continues, "If our exhibit influences any young minds which prevents future vandalism- then we have done our job!”

There's power in art. I doubt Barely Alive Clive will be bought, cut out, and mounted within a local business (Remember Banksy? Is that still a thing?), but I can see the unknown art critic's point of view - even if it was slathered with sarcasm and a couple of laughs.

Unfortunately I'm no where near Pigeon Force so my chances of being able to view what comes out of the area's artists early June are slim. If in the area try to pop by, and if you're allowed, tweet it out. You might just change a perspective or two.

About the museum

The museum also recently added new exhibits and artifacts, with there being something for everyone. Their new interactive exhibits give people the ability to test their pirate skills at tying knots, gives people the ability to share their own 9/11 experiences, and gives them the chance to offer a thank you message to law enforcement departments around the nation. One of the most popular items on display at the museum is the O.J. Simpson white Bronco from the infamous police chase that unfolded on television before millions of viewers.

The museum continues to add to their collection monthly and has a star-studded panel of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including those in law enforcement, collectors, a medical examiner, crime scene investigators, and others. The board includes Jim Willett, a retired prison warden, Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial. You can find them at AlcatrazEast.com.

About the Author

Jonathan Kozlowski

Jonathan Kozlowski was with Officer.com, Law Enforcement Technology, and Law Enforcement Product News from August 2006 to 2020.

As former Managing Editor for Officer Media Group, he brought a dedicated focus to the production of the print publications and management of the Officer.com online product and company directory. You can connect with Jonathan through LinkedIn.

Jonathan participated as a judge for the 2019 and 2020 FOLIO: Eddie & Ozzie Awards. In 2012, he received an APEX Award of Excellence in the Technology & Science Writing category for his article on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in police work, aptly titled "No Runway Needed".

He typically does not speak in the third person.

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