Sunday, July 10, 2011

2 Things Challenge: Art/Graffiti

The 2 Things Challenge this week was Art/Graffiti.
Art: n.  . . . 2 The creation of works that are, in form, content, and execution, esthetically pleasing and meaningful, as in music, painting, sculpture, literature, architecture, dance, etc. . . 4 The works so created.

Graffito: n. pl. ~ti 1 Any design, or scribbled motto, etc. drawn on a wall or other exposed surface.

The above was painted/restored on the side of a building next to the courthouse in Columbiana, AL several years ago to help bring back a little of the small town charm of the place.  I'm pretty sure Mr. Falkner still owns the building, although Eagle's Department Store is looonnnggg gone.  It is a "design . . . drawn on a wall or other exposed surface" so I guess it might qualify as graffiti, but I think it is definitely art.

I'm not sure what to make of the words "Lawyer" painted on some of the upstairs windows (click on the photo to get a larger view if you can't read it).  I guess they were painted facing the courthouse so that if you got all the way to the courthouse and suddenly found yourself in need of a lawyer, you could easily find one right next door.  But all the lawyers have long ago moved out to other, often newer, offices across the street or nearby, along with the bail bondsmen, etc. that come along with being a small town county seat in a populous and rapidly growing county.  But does that word count as graffiti?  I know it's not art, although lawyering itself might be considered an art by some.


2 comments:

Mouse said...

Wow, awesome interpretation! Incorporates both challenge elements and some local history. Very cool.

I'd never heard the word graffito before, interesting.

Rob said...

Love this old mural; The Green Triangle means better looking...

Excellent interpretation!