Methodology
For field research of graffiti in Austin two contrasting field sites were selected. The first field site was HOPE Outdoor Gallery and the surrounding area close to the gallery. Graffiti found in HOPE Outdoor Gallery is legal as it is a privately owned space. In contrast, the second field site was 5th, 6th, 7th Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard area where all the graffiti is illegal (found on public spaces). As these two field sites are contrasting in legal status, the styles of graffiti art observed were different.
At both field sites photos were taken of various pieces of graffiti to analyse once back in Wisconsin. The graffiti photographed shows various characteristics associated with Austin’s slogan, “keep Austin weird”. At HOPE Outdoor Gallery and the surrounding area I was able to walk around and choose what pieces of graffiti I wanted to photograph. As well, at the gallery I was able to interview people about what they thought of the art and the space, and the artists who were doing the art. In comparison photos of graffiti on 5th, 6th, 7th Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard were taken from the car, giving a less detailed analysis of the area. As the photos were taken from the car, we had to work as a group to try and capture photos of as many pieces of graffiti as possible.
At both field sites photos were taken of various pieces of graffiti to analyse once back in Wisconsin. The graffiti photographed shows various characteristics associated with Austin’s slogan, “keep Austin weird”. At HOPE Outdoor Gallery and the surrounding area I was able to walk around and choose what pieces of graffiti I wanted to photograph. As well, at the gallery I was able to interview people about what they thought of the art and the space, and the artists who were doing the art. In comparison photos of graffiti on 5th, 6th, 7th Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard were taken from the car, giving a less detailed analysis of the area. As the photos were taken from the car, we had to work as a group to try and capture photos of as many pieces of graffiti as possible.