Made my belated visit to MOCA yesterday to have a look at the Art in the Streets exhibit--a graffiti show encompassing the history and development of street art. It's pretty expansive and very well-attended, it was tattooed hipster central yesterday, but actually a broad spectrum of people checking it out. They say that it is in line to become one of the museum's most successful exhibits--it definitely breaks down a lot of pre-conceptions about art and hierarchies, and of course a museum show goes a long way to legitimizing a particular art form. I must admit it felt a little strange to see a curated graffiti show, but it is really well done and very broad. I really loved the space devoted to Os Gemeos, the twin graffiti artists from Brazil--their yellow-tinged figures are really interesting to me--apparently they see themselves as that colour in their dreams?--no matter, their section was interactive and fun and definitely had some heft. But it was all really enjoyable and the energy in the space was quite amazing really--no ceremony or 'museum' voices. Apparently the LAPD has noted a rise of graffiti close to the museum and this, some say, is the reason for the abrupt cancellation of this exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum directly after the LA run finishes.
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