It's all very true. I saw the Barcelona cathedral covered in giant mobile phone adverts as well; seems somewhat incongruous.
In Shoreditch there's regular huge 'graffiti' (or if you like 'graffadi') advertising murals appearing, changing weekly. Often for luxury products costing thousands of pounds, which seem out of place in the area. Usually just a flat copy of whatever the brand's advertising already looks like. Very occassionally with a bit more creativity.
Also sometimes these aren't even painted, but large-scale paste-up billboards, but resembling a subtle graffiti style.
However on the other hand, much of these are done as a source of income by graffiti writers themselves. So for me there's a bit of mixed feelings there, as I respect they have to make money somehow. But I'm still not a fan of these ads everywhere.
Yes, although there are many ways to financially support artists, for example brands can sponsor street art festivals or graffiti jams where artists can paint whatever they want (not a reproduction of a billboard, but some actual art, or even just write their name, if they are writers). this would be so much better for the neighborhood ;)
As someone who has loved exploring street art around the world, I'm incredibly disheartened to learn it's being appropriated by corporations. I hope something can be done to stop them.
Personally, I believe the best strategy is calling out these corporate companies on the web, especially on social media. As soon as they see that the operation could have compromising effects on their image, they backtrack. This has already happened several times in the past, for example, McDonald's ordered the repainting of an iconic mural in Cardiff, UK, in 2022 after seeing that the neighborhood (i.e., the same people they wanted to attract into their new local restaurant) protested against it.
I’m still gutted I couldn’t join the Paris trip, I’ll definitely look at your stories and check out the map next time I go! And thanks for this fascinating discussion! It makes the skin crawl a bit.
It's all very true. I saw the Barcelona cathedral covered in giant mobile phone adverts as well; seems somewhat incongruous.
In Shoreditch there's regular huge 'graffiti' (or if you like 'graffadi') advertising murals appearing, changing weekly. Often for luxury products costing thousands of pounds, which seem out of place in the area. Usually just a flat copy of whatever the brand's advertising already looks like. Very occassionally with a bit more creativity.
Also sometimes these aren't even painted, but large-scale paste-up billboards, but resembling a subtle graffiti style.
However on the other hand, much of these are done as a source of income by graffiti writers themselves. So for me there's a bit of mixed feelings there, as I respect they have to make money somehow. But I'm still not a fan of these ads everywhere.
Yes, although there are many ways to financially support artists, for example brands can sponsor street art festivals or graffiti jams where artists can paint whatever they want (not a reproduction of a billboard, but some actual art, or even just write their name, if they are writers). this would be so much better for the neighborhood ;)
ps. love the word 'graffadi' ;)
As someone who has loved exploring street art around the world, I'm incredibly disheartened to learn it's being appropriated by corporations. I hope something can be done to stop them.
Personally, I believe the best strategy is calling out these corporate companies on the web, especially on social media. As soon as they see that the operation could have compromising effects on their image, they backtrack. This has already happened several times in the past, for example, McDonald's ordered the repainting of an iconic mural in Cardiff, UK, in 2022 after seeing that the neighborhood (i.e., the same people they wanted to attract into their new local restaurant) protested against it.
That I will happily do. Also, I think I'll finally make it to Madrid this year! But not when you're there, alas...
Madrid is always a good idea!
Btw I don’t know if you saw my little tour of Grenoble street art already, would be awesome to get your thoughts! I still feel like a newcomer to the whole scene. https://annethomas.substack.com/p/blurred-lines-street-art-of-grenoble
Sure, I'll check it out!
I’m still gutted I couldn’t join the Paris trip, I’ll definitely look at your stories and check out the map next time I go! And thanks for this fascinating discussion! It makes the skin crawl a bit.
ciao Anne! You are still in time for the Madrid trip, though ;) And a book about the Paris trip is coming up, I wasn't joking in the newsletter :)
I will keep the Madrid trip in mind, not quite so close to my neighborhood but it’s tempting! And I will look eagerly for the book 🤩