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.
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12 comments:

  1. JackNovember 17, 2010 at 8:25 AM

    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.

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  2. UnknownNovember 17, 2010 at 8:43 AM

    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!

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  3. Stefan JanssonNovember 17, 2010 at 9:56 AM

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

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  4. JoJoNovember 17, 2010 at 10:42 AM

    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.

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  5. RedPatNovember 17, 2010 at 4:57 PM

    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!

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  6. RandyNovember 17, 2010 at 7:15 PM

    Great find!

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  7. UnknownNovember 17, 2010 at 10:31 PM

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

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  8. LinWotsNovember 18, 2010 at 3:31 AM

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

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  9. Michael RowlandNovember 20, 2010 at 4:03 AM

    guerrilla art on a poll instead of a blog.

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  10. AnonymousNovember 24, 2010 at 4:25 PM

    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...

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  11. Benjamin MadisonNovember 25, 2010 at 9:52 AM

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

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  12. AlexMarch 26, 2011 at 10:52 PM

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

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