Results
The graffiti throughout Austin varies depending on the space the graffiti is found on. Each of the field sites had graffiti representative of Austin and its slogan “keep Austin weird”, however; the styles of graffiti at the two field sites were very different.
As HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a legal, educational space, the graffiti showcased in the gallery is creative and political, creating a dialogue between the audience and the artist. Photos 1-6 show how the medium of art is being pushed to the limit in this space, stimulating Austin’s creative class. In comparison the graffiti outside the outdoor gallery (photos 7-12) is much less extreme in style (and colour), but more political; for example political leaders (Gandhi and MLK Jr) are found on either side of the building.
The graffiti on 5th, 6th, 7th Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard is much more erratic in style, with tagging a prominent graffiti style in the landscape (photos 13-17). Tagging is found in this area as rival gangs are situated in this part of Austin. Graffiti in this area is a social commentary, with graffitists using significant icons to display local culture and resistance. For example, the pit bull (photo 18) is the mascot used by the Bloods gang to mark their territory (Alonso 1998). Photos 19 and 20 represent resistance relating back to Austin’s slogan “keep Austin weird”.
As HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a legal, educational space, the graffiti showcased in the gallery is creative and political, creating a dialogue between the audience and the artist. Photos 1-6 show how the medium of art is being pushed to the limit in this space, stimulating Austin’s creative class. In comparison the graffiti outside the outdoor gallery (photos 7-12) is much less extreme in style (and colour), but more political; for example political leaders (Gandhi and MLK Jr) are found on either side of the building.
The graffiti on 5th, 6th, 7th Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard is much more erratic in style, with tagging a prominent graffiti style in the landscape (photos 13-17). Tagging is found in this area as rival gangs are situated in this part of Austin. Graffiti in this area is a social commentary, with graffitists using significant icons to display local culture and resistance. For example, the pit bull (photo 18) is the mascot used by the Bloods gang to mark their territory (Alonso 1998). Photos 19 and 20 represent resistance relating back to Austin’s slogan “keep Austin weird”.
Map by Amelia Fitzpatrick
Conclusion
Graffiti in Austin represents Red Wassenich’s desire for Austin to go back to its funkier roots, representing a counterculture against capitalism and placelessness. Graffiti embraces the values of the creative class including individuality and creativity, fulfilling the creative class’s need for stimulation. In Austin graffiti is used as a creative outlet, painting blank canvases (walls etc.) (Gleaton 2012) to form landscapes which create a conversation between the graffitist and audience. Within Austin there are multiple styles of graffiti fitting the city’s slogan “keep Austin weird” and it’s fairly liberal vibe. Graffiti makes Austin what it is, and without graffiti, Austin would be like any other city. Graffiti gives Austin a unique identity.