Here in Sheffield we have some brilliant street artists. There's a young couple who go by the pseudonyms "Rocket01" and "Faunagraphic". I have even met them - as they were taking a break from working on a gable end wall near the old Abbeydale cinema.
It used to be that as you walked up from Sheffield's Midland Railway Station towards the city centre you would be greeted by a super mural by Rocket01 - showing the TV wildlife presenter David Attenborough. Many people remarked on it. It was infinitely better than looking at a plain brick wall and in demonstrated just how quality street art could enhance a city.
Tragically, for reasons I don't understand, several of Rocket01's murals have been targeted by vandals. They must hurl bags of white emulsion paint at the murals, desecrating the imagery and destroying hours of patient and skilful work. It's heartbreaking for an admirer like me so Lord knows how Rocket01 must feel about it.
True to form, the vandal or vandals struck the David Attenborough mural a month ago. I hoped that Rocket01 might repair it but instead it has now been replaced by a new mural created by Faunagraphic depicting bluetits. It's one of her favourite themes.
Vandalism isn't always despicable - sometimes it can convey powerful messages. However, in this instance I remain very disgruntled. The David Attenborough mural was something Sheffield could be proud of and now it has gone because of a mindless scrote who is probably jealous of Rocket01's craftsmanship. It is little compensation that I captured it for posterity with my camera.
Wonderful mural, shame about the vandalism. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteHe made another wonderful mural of Charles Darwin but the building it adorned has recently been demolished.
DeleteSee:- http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3243076
It captures the spirit of the man! What a shame it's gone
ReplyDeleteSadly, this reminds us that nothing lasts forever.
DeleteI love the top photo, with the woman leaning over to look at the mural.
ReplyDeleteWhen vandalism of that type strikes, it's often old-school graffiti writers who are resentful that they've lost a writing wall. Maybe this used to be their space and it's been claimed by the muralists, and they're angry. Some people see murals like these as a kind of gentrification, an artsiness that detracts from the reality of the streets.
I agree with you, though -- I think they're amazing, and it's too bad they got dissed. (Or at least David did -- hopefully the blue tits will survive.)
I have the feeling that Rocket01 has attracted a particular grudge but your take on this matter shows great insight.
DeleteWhy do a few shitty humans have to always spoil things for the rest of us?
ReplyDeleteWhy indeed? Sometimes the idea of living in isolation upon a remote island is very appealing.
DeleteRemarkable likeness.
ReplyDeleteThey use grids to enable exact enlargement of images.
DeleteI love street art. Heck I even like a lot of the graffiti I see, although I must admit I don't see much in a small town. Mostly on the train boxcars going through :) But these are wonderful; the artists are very talented. It's a shame about the vandalism.
ReplyDeleteWhat IS the difference between street art and graffiti, anyway??
I think of graffiti as scrawl - sometimes mindless as in "JENNY WOZ ERE!" or purposeful as in "EAT TRUMP!"...I think of street art as being considered and clearly skillful - with a clear intention to embellish an urban environment.
DeleteThat's pretty much what I had in mind as well. Thanks, YP.
DeleteBuilding Art is becoming widespread and is a wonderful addition to our cities. I, too, would be really annoyed if it was desecrated.
ReplyDeleteAre there any eye-catching murals in Stornoway?
DeleteActually, YP, we do have some rather attractive wall art. I'm pretty sure that I've blogged about it but can't locate it at the moment. I'll keep looking and if not then I'll blog about it.
DeleteI like searching out street art wherever I go. Less than two weeks ago, we visited Montreal (what a great city!), and they have lovely buildings, some with vintage street art depicting the old brick that must have covered that same building 200 years ago. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteDon't know why anyone would deface another's work. They should just pick a building or wall, ask permission if necessary and have a go at it! Don't you think?
Yes, I do think that Donna. As for Montreal, what a nice surprise those murals were for you!
DeleteI wonder if they could repaint that concrete monstrosity off Ecclesall Road
ReplyDeleteThat electric sub-station is is indeed an ugly building but nowadays it is often lit up in rainbow colours at night.
DeleteCan you send me a photo?
DeleteE-mail sent to Gray Towers.
DeleteStreet art has come a long way. some of it , as you say is well done and to be admired. Vandalism most disappointing.
ReplyDeleteDo you have some street art murals in Red Deer?
DeleteMany years ago, professional painters from Ludwigsburg's porcellain manufacture were employed to create beautiful murals on the otherwise featureless concrete walls of a footbridge and tunnel around the main station. Every time I see it, I am glad it has so far been respected by the many grafitti artists we seem to be having around here.
ReplyDeleteIt would be heartbreaking to see those beautiful murals ruined.
DeleteToo many have a vacuum between each ear. They must be so light-headed it's a wonder they don't just float away. I wish the brainless idiots would!! :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm not referring to the talented street artists, but to the vandals.
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