You know I’ve been busy lately. I can’t get around and check things out like I like to. My geocaching finding is falling way off. That is the way things are these days isn’t it. Everybody is just too dang busy. Well I haven’t been over to Tulsa’s graffiti permission zone, Mad Dog Liquor in east Tulsa in quite a while. I was at a natural gas industry bowling event (not kidding!) in east Tulsa and had a little time after the event and before the banquet to go check out Mad Dog Liquor and see what was happening with their graffit.
I was not disappointed. There were several new pieces including the one above. You know, there is a lot I haven’t figured out about graffiti but I have kind of picked up that the the artists feel free to add to each other’s work. Fro example I don’t think that the words in yellow above were by the original guy (or gal). I love the orginal work; it just kind of shouts out, big and bold in 3D.
One thing I haven’t figured out is how to read graffiti. Above is an example by somebody is using letters I recongnize but I can’tfigure out the words.
I can’t figure out this either. The texture is just all fleshy, soft, and ew, yuck but it stands out. Again, I think the dashed yellow “chains” are a later addition. I don’t know if it is a sign of respect or disrespect.
Something else that I can’t figure out, and is added onto, I think.
I love this creepy, dark, character. Graffiti is just plain creepy and disturbing. Don’t ask my why I am fascinated by it. I am fascinated by the things and people that everyone else hates, like Marilyn Manson. What has he ever done to anybody? You tell me that the evil guy tears the pages out of a Bible during a concert? So what? the Bible isn’t just ink on paper. I say that at least he is taking a Bible to his concerts. Do you take your Bible to a concert? His music certainly doesn’t make him famous. If he didn’t have his evil schtick, he’d be lucky to find a job sacking groceries as far as I am concerned.
The slight details in graphically made designs and logos are interesting.The “O” is similar to the “O” in the Oklahoma State University logo. The worm on the right is pretty common in graffiti I’ve seen. I think the green squiggles are are an add on as are the blue “bricks.” It seems that the bricks are a way to gradually cover up graffiti over time. I’ve seen similar bricks added onto an abandoned YMCA mural in downtown Tulsa. Every few months more of the mural is covered up. What it means? Shoot I don’t know!
So much of graffiti is ironic. This seems so “third world” with all the drama about the big bad evil corporations with their infant formula vs those who advocate for breast feeding. That controversy is big still here in the good ole’ USA. Big guilt trips for those women who for one reason or another cannot breastfeed their children to the extent that one source I read claimed a hospital required mothers who wanted their children to be fed formula to sign a release. What do I think? I think mothers, especially those of newborns need lots of support and grace, not guilt and releases to sign. What do you think?
Thanks (or blame) to the person to Jen at are you there, god? it’s me, generation x.
Jen is the blogger who got me interested in Graffiti. She is interesting, and so awesome and has amazing insight into lots of different things. She is also teaching a blogging class that I lived in Oklahoma City I’d be attending. Check the link, maybe you can still sign up.
You do come up with some of the most fascinating and different posts!! I’m never disappointed when I stop by for a visit! These are really cool! Thanks for making my evening!! Hope your week is going well!
I have to admit, no. 3 is far and away the most compelling piece. Still, I’m not a huge fan of graffiti. Most all of the graffiti around here is just passing through, on railroad box cars. That’s fine with me.
Apart from the first, I like the third one which reminds me of an octopus painted into the form of a word. I don’t live in an area with graffiti so see it only on your posts.
i love looking at graffiti & wonder often what it mean? love all the shapes, colors & design. ( :
great post. wish i lived in OK to see the class. sounds interesting.
Whatever your feelings about graffiti, it is definitely an art form that is very expressive and one that takes a special talent to create. Your pictures are great.
Cool post Yogi! I never looked at graffiti as a form of art until I started seeing it on your blog. You always have such interesting observations about people out there. I like what you have to say.
this is such great graffiti …
«Louis» can’t read most graffiti, either…
The entire city of Oakland is being sprayed with graffiti. It is astounding and it is awful. The general decay in that city makes much of it look like it is a candidate for being the next Detroit…
So much talent and so much angst!
You’ve got some high-end graffiti down your way. Some tags I’ve looked at for years with the “huh?” face on only to see it clearly later–or never. I love the way writers hide in plain sight and leave us wondering about our dearly beloved alphabet.
“Breast is best” is just another piece in that puzzle I can solve about why women’s bodies are so darn politicized. Why is what we do with our bodies a group decision? The people who get into our biz would be better of repairing cross walk signs and picking up litter on the nearest chain gang.
I discovered this place and took some photos for my blog but you beat me to it. That was some time ago and the ones you are posting now are all different. I guess this is an ongoing work in progress. The owner likes the attention and encourages the artists. I guess it is a problem if they show up where you don’t want them but it is obvious that they are a result of talented people. Consider that they are all done with spray cans. Tricky.
Love your comments on Marilyn Manson! And this is some great graffiti!