A Hidden Surprise

I recently took a short cut down an alley and discovered this amazing piece of artwork on the back of a row of businesses and restaurants. I know graffiti is controversial but when you come around a corner and are presented with a work of this size and incredible skill, I for one can't help but feel appreciation for the skill that went into it. I think there is a youth center of some kind close by and hope that this a collaborative project and not vandalism. - Fern

Random Acts of Art

While graffiti is controversial and the subject of much debate, I can't help but love that there are people out there that feel like celebrating their city by adding a little touch of beauty to what is otherwise a blank surface. - Fern

Found Art

Walking home from town we came upon this crazy, cool little art project of someone's and were very impressed. This is part of a long brick wall that runs along Esquimalt Road and is very unappealing so this little square is pure magic really. Hat's off to whomever is the artist! - Fern

Homelessness in Victoria

This is a sculptural piece created by Tyler Hodgins, as part of a larger show called Throw Down at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. It is made of ice and a water soluble pigment, and represents a homeless person in a sleeping bag. This one was on Fisgard Street, in chinatown but each Saturday he places them in a different location. I love art that stops you in your tracks and makes you think. Homelessness is an issue in Victoria as in most urban centers the world over. There is some good work being done, and this photo to the left is one example that gives me hope. This beautiful building, located at 950 Humboldt Street, houses people with addictions or mental illness who have been chronically homeless for more than a year. Built by Pacifica Housing, they are an incredible organization working to make a difference in our community. - Fern

Urban Landscape

On Fisgard Street.

Street Art 3

This sultry lass peeks over the edge of a building roof in Victoria's Chinatown, above Fisgard Street. Do you think it's by the same artist who did the drawing I posted on the 12th of April?

Street Art 2

I don't much like the term "Street Art," particularly since, as in the above example, it may not be on the street. This one is under the Gorge Bridge. But I've been using "street art" for want of a better term. I've been avoiding the use of the word "graffiti" because it has associations with writings on lavatory walls and or with scrawlers who simply have identity issues ("Kilroy was here!") though there is often socially significant content in these writings on walls. (For a time, when I was a grad student (Anthropology), I used to collect writings I found in men's washrooms. They are witty and creative surprisingly often, but I digress....) I'm also reluctant to describe the kind of public art seen in the photos above and below as "popular art" because it seems a little patronizing - as if it's not "real" art in the same way that comic books are not considered to be "real" literature. I hope someone out there can suggest a better term.

I think it's interesting that while we all applaud "art" and revere professional artists, these unknown street artists work in the depths of the night for fear of arrest and often decorate difficult locations at considerable bodily risk. (No Canada Council Grants for these guys - they're lucky if they don't get thrown in the pokey!)

In reference to the artwork above, I am impressed by the location chosen as well as by the execution. And the somewhat cynical, world weary expression on the face is not the work of some immature vandal.

Street Art

I've featured this building before, last year, when it was lacking this artistic comment. These blue pacman ghosts are an inspired addition to a burnt out heritage building that has been looking for restoration for a long time now. We have some perceptive and talented street artists here in Victoria and this unknown spray-bomber gets two thumbs up from me.

Wildfire Organic Bakery and Cafe Gallery

On Quadra Street right opposite the former Baptist church pictured here last week is the Wildfire Organic Bakery and Cafe. The owners have embraced graffiti or street art to the point of allowing two sides of their building to be extensively painted by local artists. Pictured here is one side that usually has two large paintings. These seem to change every few months and are always interesting. I very much admire seeing "unofficial" art like this and applaud the Wildfire and its artists for being open-minded and generous enough to share these creations with us freely.