Leaning on Living Walls
Paul Grondahl has a story today about the friction Samson Contampasis' Living Walls art project is getting from the City of Albany. Says the city's planning director: "We don't want to see a magnet for graffiti, but we also recognize the economic and social benefit, so there's a double-edge to it." Living Walls is scheduled to start September 16. (Here's a bit more about the project in the startup grant application Samson submitted.)
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Comments
I know it's well intentioned, but i don't see Albany as being a venue for Graffiti Art.
... said Eric Stott on May 20, 2011 at 12:01 PM | link
I really hope the community and businesses come out and support this!
... said Kasa on May 20, 2011 at 12:12 PM | link
Why shouldn't Albany, an older city with ample neglected architecture, be a perfect candidate for this kind of transformation? It's the ho-hum public response to good ideas and initiatives like this that prevents our city government from seeing these sorts of projects as a way forward.
It's precisely that people like Sampson have these good intentions that Albany should be a natural venue for things like graffiti art, urban renewal, etc.
... said Josh on May 20, 2011 at 1:19 PM | link
Really, hasn't anyone seen Exit Through the Gift Shop?
... said B on May 20, 2011 at 1:52 PM | link
God damn it Sammy, I'm so sick of reading about you. You're making me feel so freaking inferior. (love you!)
... said Sam's old bud Arielle on May 20, 2011 at 3:03 PM | link
Samson makes me feel all funny. Wait, what we were talking about?
I think this is a fantastic idea. These art pieces can be an unexpected, bold statement, and really transform a space. I say hells yes!
... said Kim M on May 20, 2011 at 5:05 PM | link
I don't know if having legally-placed public works of art that happen to be on the side of a building would spark more (illegal) graffiti. The idea is that it would spark more love for art...
Does the kickass mural at the Spectrum, or the giant bicyclist on Henry Johnson inspire graffiti? Or are they ok because they are on in-use buildings?
Personally, I'd love to see more stuff like this around the city. Especially on our unused, unmaintained buildings. I agree with Josh - Albany seems like just the right place for a project like this.
... said Paul on May 20, 2011 at 7:29 PM | link
Samson is a well established pillar of the local art community that has organized countless art shows and provided space for young artists for years. Living walls wants to put on a fall festival attracting art community folk from far and wide, focused on bringing attention to our historic and neglected buildings by painting murals and other beautification projects.
Again current administration meets a grassroots, well organized group of individuals with the energy and fresh ideas to move our city in a positive direction, with obstruction and lack of trust. The current Mayoral administration is gum in the gears of the creative engine Albany could be.
... said Mike G on May 21, 2011 at 9:49 AM | link