Dec 09 2010
New Exhibit Unites Graffiti Artists and Muralists to Save Street Art
From underpasses to retaining walls, embankments to the brick sides of local businesses, Los Angeles is known worldwide for its street art. However, depending on whom you ask, public opinion can vary greatly as to whether this is an honorable distinction or a regrettable reality. One thing is certain: if you get caught tagging, the legal repercussions can be severe. Those convicted of damages equaling $400 or less can be sentenced to six months imprisonment and a fine of $1000 or both. And, parents of a convicted minor, if found “criminally negligent…in a manner that causes their children to commit a crime,” can face penalties of one year in jail or $2,500 fine or both. However, the Social and Public Art Resource Center or SPARC argues that not all street art is limited to random acts of vandalism. In fact, the numerous colorful, cultural, and artistic murals that adorn Los Angeles’ once vacant spaces are in dire need of advocacy. SPARC is hosting an exhibit entitled “The confinement of street art: Illusion of Grime,” at its Venice gallery this Saturday the 11th from 7 to 11p.m. The group is also circulating a petition requesting a 10% reallocation of L.A.’s graffiti abatement budget to provide training for the city’s youth in mural-graffiti removal and mural restoration. Featuring the works of nine local graffiti artists, the exhibit offers a platform for Angelenos to discuss censorship and criminalization of artists as they seek to end the destruction and neglect of this unique aspect of the city.
GUESTS: Gustavo Munoz, show curator and graffitti artist, Felipe Sanchez, SPARC Operations Manager, Pilar Castillo, archivist with SPARC
The exhibition featuring the works of nine L.A.-based graffiti artists is called The confinement of street art: Illusion of Grime.
WHEN: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 7:00pm–11:00pm
WHERE: 685 Venice Blvd. Venice, CA 90291
For more information, please go to www.sparcmurals.org or call 310/822-9560, ext 15
Sign SPARC’s petition here: http://www.petitiononline.com/mrpp255/petition.html
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