Whilst traveling Europe although I ventured into some of the most popular cities famous for their art collections, I did happen to come across some amazing art, but believe it or not I didn’t actually step inside any museums or galleries!
It wasn’t as if these museums were unfortunately closed for one reason or other. I’m sure they contain some of the finest examples of renaissance, modern, contemporary, abstract art and sculpture. I was on a different kind of journey, one that didn’t involve fancy restaurants, hotels, theatres, galleries or museums.
When I did find myself in large cities I would be fascinated by the architecture and stand in awe at the beauty of its cathedrals.
I took great pleasure in discovering the exquisite detail of monuments, fountains and sculptures. The fascinating juxtaposition of styles, periods of history and the evolving architectural changes that each city had seen.
I’d appreciate the gardens that once belonged to Royalty that welcomed the masses with their ornate iron embraces. I spent hours meandering the hidden cracks and crevices of cities noticing the remnants of a time gone by but I was often captivated by the expressions of our youth and their graffiti.
Graffiti is wonderful, it’s full of passion, it’s both light and dark, its a universal language with its use of colour and form, one doesn’t often need a description to understand what message is being relayed.
At times there is no message, it’s merely a way to communicate ones presence. In this time of ego it doesn’t surprise me to see it’s popularity growing.
I enjoy the variety of styles and the way they can transform sombre, creepy areas into lively, happy and interesting spaces.
In modern construction we see less imagination and care going into bridges, tunnels and passageways. So why not hand it over to the creative types to give it a make over. Due to the cost saving methods and the extensive use of concrete it seems a logical solution to give these surfaces over to the creative public who look for an outlet for their voice.
I’ve seen large complexes shut down, sitting empty for years vulnerable to vandalism. Then those that have been creatively enhanced with artwork which over time has a wonderful layered appeal to it.
I say hats off to those who created all the wonderful work you see here.
SerendipitySol 