Illegal Art in Hollywood

[bmoreshooter]

The feeling evoked by a photograph is just as important as the picture itself. That's a large part of why we do it. This is a discussion forum and not just a place to show off your pretty pictures. Or at least that's what I thought, I could be wrong.

[promoguy]

"Just a reminder that we are not here to discuss the legality or ethics of graffiti painters. Illegal acts are perfectly appropriate subjects of photojournalism. Taking and publishing pictures does not imply approval either by the photographer or the publisher. It's just reporting on what's out there."

Didn't know that trespassing is legal in Spain. Looks like both the guy who took the pictures and the guy splattering stuff on the side of a private building are doing both that and making work for building owner in order to clean it up. And yeah, I think I'll comment when I see a couple of young guys with masks on their faces cuz they don't have the guts to show their faces, spread crap around MY city. Let them do it in Madrid.

[Richard]

You don't seem to have gotten the message. I will delete any further posts that do not address photography. There are many, many other forums on the Internet where you can discuss social issues all you want.

[michswiss]

Originally Posted by promoguy

"Just a reminder that we are not here to discuss the legality or ethics of graffiti painters. Illegal acts are perfectly appropriate subjects of photojournalism. Taking and publishing pictures does not imply approval either by the photographer or the publisher. It's just reporting on what's out there."

Didn't know that trespassing is legal in Spain. Looks like both the guy who took the pictures and the guy splattering stuff on the side of a private building are doing both that and making work for building owner in order to clean it up. And yeah, I think I'll comment when I see a couple of young guys with masks on their faces cuz they don't have the guts to show their faces, spread crap around MY city. Let them do it in Madrid.

Did you read what you quoted? Take a deep breath and just look at the images. If you don't like them, so be it. You can always comment about how to improve the photography. If you don't like the subject matter, go out and address it in your community. The police obviously didn't notice while it was happening just behind them. In either instance the photographer did a service.

[JimmyHickey]

Originally Posted by bmoreshooter

If it's so harmless then why are they hiding their faces? Wheat paste, hmm, that sure looks like he's spray painting someone elses property to me. Photo #2 is an exellent example of how easily that crap comes off. 4 and 9 - I'm sure their going to clean up the trash they threw all over the ground in their feeble attemp to make room for their lovely "artwork". I don't know about the rest of you but I find the poster of the cop sitting on the toilet in really poor taste. If you really don't mind what they are doing here why not volenteer your house or property so that their "art" can be practiced legally. As for the photos, I don't find them to be any real works of art either, just snapshots of someone breaking the law.

It may be harmless, but it is still illegal. They are aware of the legal danger and do it anyways.

Thanks for the comments everyone, happy to see this set of images caused such debate. This was an incredibly difficult thing to shoot considering the limitations and obstacles...like climbing a 3 story building and hiding from the cops...not to mention the safety or the legal trouble I could have got in for accompanying them. Even though its legal to photograph an illegal activity, I've heard some pretty bad things happen to photographers following urban artists around. But in my opinion it was all worth the risk, I got some photos that in my opinion capture the feel of what its like out there and show the world whats going on during the streets while the city sleeps.

Bmore if you think these are snapshots what would you suggest to make them not appear as snapshots? Give me some advice. Just because you don't like the subject matter, or what they do doesn't justify calling a set of images "snapshots" without being able to back that up. I guarantee what I went out and shot that night is more difficult and intense then the average photographer will ever go through in their lifetime. Take that into consideration before you put down an entire set of images.

[Richard]

I would have liked to have seen more of the art in the pics. #5 has that, but the person is really small--#1 is better balanced in that regard.

[Angelo]

Originally Posted by Richard

I would have liked to have seen more of the art in the pics...

I'd like to understand the motivation these young guys have. Political? Social justice? Or like most gang taggers, just ego?


.

[bfjr]

Originally Posted by Angelo

I'd like to understand the motivation these young guys have. Political? Social justice? Or like most gang taggers, just ego?


.

ancient motivation in the DNA all species like to mark their territory No really

the one with cop car is the one I like, just adds a little thrill

[CAPTURED2H]

p.1 #8 · Illegal Art in Hollywood

One man's vandal helps open the worlds eyes and reawaken a sense of wonder about one’s environment.


Are you for real ? Your photos due show with the grit and dirt oh and filth the subject matter very well but I think you boys should do a day shoot for better EXPOSER that would give us better detail

[JimmyHickey]

Originally Posted by Angelo

I'd like to understand the motivation these young guys have. Political? Social justice? Or like most gang taggers, just ego?


.

Not sure, I'll ask them and get back to you. Personally I think it's because it exposes the world to things they have created and for that brief second see the world as the artist sees it. Check out www.obeygiant.com for some pretty interesting information in that department.

Originally Posted by CAPTURED2H

p.1 #8 · Illegal Art in Hollywood

One man's vandal helps open the worlds eyes and reawaken a sense of wonder about one’s environment.


Are you for real ? Your photos due show with the grit and dirt oh and filth the subject matter very well but I think you boys should do a day shoot for better EXPOSER that would give us better detail

During the day won't work because there are too many people. Alternativily I do have a set of images where I followed actual taggers, not wheat pasters around, I think I'll post that up now:)
Here are a few of their actual work-

[mercphoto]

Originally Posted by Angelo

some interesting viewing on the subject of street art:

Now, now, now..... "Just a reminder that we are not here to discuss the legality or ethics of graffiti painters", "You don't seem to have gotten the message. I will delete any further posts that do not address photography."

By the way, thanks to all who PM'd me thanking me for standing up to the view that this is illegal!

I'm out of this thread now.

[beetle8]

Originally Posted by Richard

You don't seem to have gotten the message. I will delete any further posts that do not address photography. There are many, many other forums on the Internet where you can discuss social issues all you want.

This seems totally against previous SM and DGrin policy, I've seen many a thread derailed on this forum and go on for hundreds of posts after multiple requests for staying on topic.

I think it's wrong of you to stifle discussion provoked by the images by threatening to delete posts not directly related to the photography.

I could cite thousands of instances on this forum where the discussion is not directly or specifically related to the photography of the OP.

It's healthy discussion and the OP can be glad they have sparked it.

I think you should formally retract your threat.

[Angelo]

Originally Posted by mercphoto

Now, now, now..... "Just a reminder that we are not here to discuss the legality or ethics of graffiti painters", "You don't seem to have gotten the message. I will delete any further posts that do not address photography."...

You're absolutely right. I got caught up in the topic of street art becuase I find it interesting but that has nothing to do with photography. Post removed.

Sorry Richard!