In Memoriam

Just moments after hearing about the tragic shootings in Arizona today, I saw the following scrawled on the subway wall at the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station here in Brooklyn. Regardless of the outcome or reason behind today's events, they seem an appropriate response to the mindless violence.

People who seek to execute those they disagree with are the enemies of democracy and free speech, regardless of what party they align themselves with. People commit such atrocities, apparently, when they're incapable of articulating or defending their beliefs. Either that or they're seriously, mentally disturbed.

At least six people died in these attacks. May they rest in peace.

Propaganda Indeed

The WSJ's Christina S.N. Lewis writes about Shepard Fairey and others' iconic depictions of Obama in "Picturing Obama" and especially how Fairey's have skyrocketed in value since they were initially distributed. Originally hailing from Charleston, NC, Fairey is best known as the creator of the Obey graffiti campaign, as well as his propaganda style.

Time magazine photoessay featuring Fairey's art, as well as other prominent street artists.

Hillary & Obama

I've added several new photos to my Photostream on Flickr, including this one of Hillary and Obama graffiti on the corner of Houston and Bowery. That large one is a Shepard Fairey, and there's a different one by him across the street. It's a colorful part of Manhattan to live, the East Village, and I love it for that.

You may have guessed that I like street art: I also recently added a Graffiti & Street Art set on Flickr.

Coming Up Next?

Say It With Spraypaint

Send 30 euros to this Dutch company and they'll spray a Valentine's Day greeting to your loved one on the Palestinian side of the West Bank wall. I love the fact that something this divisive is being used to bring people together. Banksy famously did a series of 9 pointed images there, too.

Via Good Magazine