BCHS art
Art can be fun.
  • Briarcrest Christian High School Visual Arts
    • Art Image Archive >
      • 2013-2014 >
        • Art 1 2013-14
        • Art 2 2013-14
        • Art 3 2013-14
        • Art 4 2013-14
        • Advanced Placement Art 2013-14
      • Briarcrest Art Trip Spring 2009/San Francisco >
        • Briarcrest Art Trip Spring 2008/Italy
      • 2008-09 Art >
        • Art 2 2008-09
        • Art 3 2008-09
        • Art 4 2008-09
        • AP Art 2008-09
      • 2009-2010 Art >
        • Art 1 2009-2010
        • Art 2 2009-10
        • Art 3 2009-10
        • Art 4 2009-10
        • AP Art 2009-10
      • 2010-2011 Art >
        • Art 1 2010-2011
        • Art 2 2010-11
        • Art 3 2010-11
        • Art 4 2010-11
        • AP Art 2010-11
      • 2011-2012 Art >
        • Art 1 2011-12
        • Art 2 2011-12
        • Art 4 2011-12
      • 2012-13 Art >
        • Art 1 2012-13
        • Art 2 2011-12
        • Art of Austin McElveen
        • AP Studio Drawing 2011-12
  • BCHS Art 2019-20
  • BCHS Visual Arts Blog
  • Briarcrest Alumni Art and Artists
  • Art of Jenna Fergus
    • Art 2012-14
    • Installations 2011-12
    • Paintings 2012
    • Paintings 2011
    • Printmaking: Water
    • Sketchbook for Printmaking Series Summer 2010

BCHS Visual Arts Blog

The go to site for all your Visual Arts interests

Memphis Street Art

9/9/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture




hen someone says “Memphis,” what images pop into your mind? Elvis? Certainly. BBQ? Of course. The “M” bridge? Perhaps. What images surface with the words “Memphis art”? The Brooks Museum, Memphis College of Art, and the Pink Palace are my first thoughts. It is unlikely, however, that many people would visualize Memphis street art with either question. Yet, it is one of the things that marks our city as the culturally thriving community that it is. 

Street art is something my brain tends to gloss over. I see it, but I don’t see it. I’m driving; I’m thinking about the traffic and my destination. When I notice a spray painted wall, it is because it is the landmark for my next turn, and even then, I do not stop to admire it. 

I recently decided I’d like to change that. I want to know:  Who painted these masterpieces? How long have they been there? Were they graffiti tagged under the cloak of night, or were they commissioned pieces honored with the dignity of daylight? Regardless of their origins of existence, they are art. They are as much art as any painting residing on a stretched canvas.

It should be noted that graffiti and street art are two very different things. In general, graffiti is done with harm intended either to the place and/or to the viewer, and street art is done with a happy heart and good intentions. Often, graffiti is quickly washed away or covered up, while street art remains to weather with time.

A well-known Memphis muralist, Brandon Marshall, once wrote, “…murals are for everyone to share. They can’t be bought or sold, and hung in a private collection or museum where most people will never go.” (The full article, complete with photos of his work, can be found on ArtsMemphis.org). This idea of community art appeals to me. I’m not saying all art should be free—of course not. However, the unexpected discovery of a colorful mural splashed onto an otherwise unnoticeable wall, or a pair of balloon parading raccoons scampering around town is a sign of life rich with imagination, wonder, humor, playfulness, appreciation, and emotion. Just look at how it has added to the recent Overton Square transformation. If you haven't been there lately, it is incredible! Now that I am making a conscious effort to seek it out, I find that I enjoy sporadic street art when it is shared with dignity for its viewers. So today, I would like to share with you some of the showpieces that adorn our awesome city. 


If you are not familiar with the ILoveMemphis blog, it is a great source for keeping up with the goings-on in town. It also has a nice collection of photos of Memphis murals scattered throughout its pages—just in case my small slide show has left you wanting more. 

I have yet to capture a raccoon and his balloon, but I will continue the hunt. If you know where to find one, or have a favorite mural you’d like to share, leave a comment with the location, and I will add it to the slide show for all to enjoy. 

T.
2 Comments

    Taylor Lollar
    Ellie Stewart and Sammy Wipper-Art Journalists with
    ​Jenna Fergus, Visual Arts Teacher

    Come together to inspire and communicate about Briarcrest Visual Arts and the Memphis Arts scene. Stay Tuned!

    Archives

    August 2017
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014

    Categories

    All
    All Saints Paint
    Amy Hutcheson
    Art
    Art Show
    Art Tasting
    BRACE
    Briarcrest Visual Arts
    Christmas Pop-Up Shops
    Clothesline Art
    Cooper And Young Festival
    Desiderata Magazine
    Germantown Festival
    Hydrangeas
    Isle Of Capri
    Italy
    Jenna Fergus
    Karen Pulfer Focht
    LeAnn Farris
    Maggie Russell
    Marisol Escobar
    Memphis Art Scene
    Memphis Brooks Museum Of Art
    Memphis Comic Expo
    Memphis Museum Day
    Memphis Photographer
    Memphis Street Art
    MemShop
    Mt. Vesuvius
    Ostia Antica
    Paestum
    Photojournalist
    Pompeii
    Positano
    Rome
    Snow Day
    St. Peter's Basilica
    Summer Photo Contest
    Tennessee Art Educators Association
    The Art Of Education
    The Roman Colosseum
    Vatican Museum

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.