Street Subversion The Political Geography of Murals and Graffiti Essay Example

different ethnic and political backgrounds rose to tell stories of their own struggles via this art form. Ironically, while the entire country was divided on these issues, the San Francisco neighborhood muralists showed incredible solidarity.

Muralists working on large projects maintained group consensus as a primary goal.Because the artists, who were of both genders and from various ethnic backgrounds, sought consistency in treatment from the government, they sought consistency in their murals. This consistency reflected the hope that one day the state and national leaders would be able to come together as well. Drescher reveals these ideas by examining the Balmy Alley district and the Clarion Alley district. The Balmy Alley district represented San Francisco’s Latino culture.

Thus, their murals reflected social issues which affected the Latino population, primarily, the “celebration of indigenous Central American cultures” or the “protest against the United States’ intervention in Central America” (7). The impact of this mural project was astounding and undoubtedly the block long mural attracted the attention of diverse ethnic tourists and leaders in the community. It sought to show the unity of diverse groups of individuals in a single political endeavor.Another similar project actually engaged both genders of a variety of ethnic backgrounds to collaborate on a mural which also represented a desire for social unity.

The Clarion Alley district differs greatly from Balmy Alley just as San Francisco itself is full of various ethnic clusters. This area was more socio-economically depressed but still had a story to tell through art. Its major project CAMP sought to gain respect for the diverse population which was primarily known for high levels of criminal activity.It proved that this was

possible when the CAMP identifying sign, posted in the graffiti-laden area, never got tagged.

Because the lifestyle in this part of the city was different from the Balmy area, the style of art was also understandably different. Instead of the consistency desired by the social realists in reaching a social consensus on political issues, CAMP represented a more naturalistic, even expressionistic style. The artists did not agree on central themes or styles but created instead a montage of works which represented the variety of emotions of the artists and those they represented.In a way, this representation is more the modern feel of the city itself. Drescher refers to this attitude as creating a “mutually respectful intercommunicative community” (11).

Another interesting style that arose from CAMP was the spray can art which many people call graffiti, even though that may not always be accurate. Again, this type of art is highly individual, symbolic and despite the ignorance of some outside observers, usually contains a serious message, or one that can be interpreted in many ways.Examples include using clever puns to indicate the environmental waste of a nearby business. For example, a painting of the black and yellow danger signs strategically placed next to a Shell station can elicit just that message. Rearranging letters on billboards and other signs can also make an intelligent pun out of some advertisements. Examples include switching the Marlboro adds to Mal burro to show smoking’s harmful effects.

As this art from moves into contemporary times, the social issues that were so clearly defined with the realistic art style have become more and more muddy.As a result, modern artists now reject realism

for these newer forms of art, such as symbolism, naturalism, and expressionism. The style of art mirrors the attitudes and issues of the San Francisco artists and residents. No matter the style, the art allows a conversation to take place among residents, one that is vital to a community and social harmony. In his article, Drescher captures the political and social tone of San Francisco through the years by focusing on its most outstanding characteristic – its art.