Photo first

Kate Moss - NYC Street Art Poster - 123010

Trying something new.  I am selecting a photo(s) first and letting it inspire the whole post.  For today, I wanted to explore these images of Kate Moss I found in two separate alleys a half mile apart) in SOHO.

I am a big fan of good street art.  I don't care whether it is spray-painted, written, or stickers/posters stuck to something. It is vandalism and damages property.  I know that and I believe it is a part of the aggressive nature of this art form, similar to street musicians and performers.  Most ignore both, some love the expression, others despise the visual/sound pollution and destruction of property both put out.


Where is the art in these pieces?  For me, it was the content, placement, location and surrounding environment that made them both powerful.  The top one has Kate below a red light staring at you... daring you to enter this door she overlooks.  The scribbled pink swishes framing her and the touch of pink on her nipple makes as strong vertical leading to her breast and face.  It is all about her vacant, yet judging stare. 

Kate Moss x 2, NYC Street Art Poster - 123010

The second photo shows someone covered up other street art with both Kates with an eye for strategic placement.   Underneath both Kates and the shoe is a line drawn sketch of two people holding each other in a park.  It is a peaceful moment of privacy that is being squashed by Kate (and all the corporate, fashion, glamor, drugs, over-consumption and style empire she represents.  On top of Kate is a man's shoe squashing her down as well.  The shoe could represent "the man" crushing all that does not directly serve him or is a tool for crushing others.

As with this type of art, you may disagree with my analysis and even with the idea this is art.  That is the beauty of art - it doesn't have to work for everyone.  If it did, it would only be pop kitsch.