The best part of travelling to my uni – Western Sydney University – is the train journey from Central Station to Parramatta. Viewing ‘pieces’ created by graffiti writers on the walls that encase the railway tracks. The combination of text, characters and symbols that allow the names to jump out of the wall. A blur of colour – depending on the speed of the train – or a slow train that allows for the gallery of work to be exhibited with every detail viewed.
Recently, I saw an image on the train that caught my eye: a mural of a bear (which reminded me of Lotso from Toy Story 3). My initial thought was, ‘I want this image for my instagram’ but I was too slow and missed the shot. I spent the day hoping it would be there the next day – always a risk when you research an ephemeral art form, how long it lasts depends on too many factors.
Whilst waiting on the station the next day, I watched the train roll in and was silently outraged to see the carriages were covered in advertising – including the windows – making it difficult for me to look out and see passing artworks.
Continue reading “Can-advertising-be-considered-an-act-of-vandalism?”
Alix Beattie: Street Art Researcher 