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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

...And Another ASTK

This is the third paste-up by local graffiti artist ASTK that I have posted here. I find these interesting for several reasons.They are stencils that are obviously prepared elsewhere and then stapled to wooden telephone poles here and there throughout the city. Those I've photographed have all been in Vic West but some have been spied in other neighborhoods. They have a very distinctive style and use consistent media. Even if they weren't all signed "ASTK" they would be easy to identify. The subjects are personalities from pop culture but I don't have any idea as to the reasoning behind the selection of subjects. Whether one likes them or not, there is no doubt that all these features make it clear there is an artistic consciousness behind these works that raises them to a level above what is normally considered to be graffiti. HERE is a link to the two earlier ASTK posts on this blog. HERE are some more and some thoughts on this kind of art. And HERE are another collector's finds on flickr.

12 comments:

Jack said...

I agree that there is a real artistic sensibility at work here. And, I think your photo captures the scene perfectly. Still, I hate to see people using utility poles for their own whims. Those left-behind staples endanger utility workers when they need access to the poles.

Unknown said...

These postings and their staples are left at low levels - i don't see the danger at all for utlility workers. I have been tracking ASTK's art now for months and have photographed them extensively. How cool. Our very own Banksy with his/her own MO: they're always on telephone polls looking into the street, not away from it.
PS> Thanks for leaving this new photo on the Copeland blog with the others (http://bit.ly/c8RxVR). I spotted her on Douglas on Saturday!

Stefan Jansson said...

Never seen the stencil technique used like this before. Simple but very effective.

JoJo said...

We can get in BIG TIME trouble for stapling things to telephone poles or any street/traffic signs.

I love this person's technique, but unlike the Steve Carrell stencil, I can't figure out who this one is supposed to be.

RedPat said...

Nice one. I don't like graffiti but this is good. All the utility workers here use cherry pickers now - no one climbs a pole anymore!

Randy said...

Great find!

Unknown said...

This one is Emily Haines (indie rocker). More about her here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Haines

LinWots said...

I do not know why, but I like the photo!

Michael Rowland said...

guerrilla art on a poll instead of a blog.

Anonymous said...

I think there is another one on the West facing wall outside the #6 bus stop on Quadra between View and Fort. A picture of a little girl with a megaphone I believe...

Benjamin Madison said...

Thanks Anon, I'll check it out as soon as the streets are less slippery.

Alex said...

this is of one of his friends as with most of his cardboard signs, most of them are residents of victoria