Not many realise that Jean Michel Basquiat formed part of the infamous Club 27 that boasts members such as Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain or Jim Morrison.
Often considered the father of modern graffiti and mural painting, American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s name is sometimes overshadowed by contemporary heavy-weights such as Banksy.
But graffiti or street art can take on different dimensions. The art form need not be shrouded in cryptic mystery surrounding an artist’s anonymity; it need not be an overt form of rebellion or the consequence of unspent teenage angst.
It could just be a means of adding a touch of colour to our dominantly grey streets. Paint the town red? But why not use blue, green, yellow, purple... why not have a never-ending palette of colour?
Thus, the project titled ‘Putting colour into the streets’ has simply set out to do just what it professes.
Conceived by visual artist James Micallef Grimaud and gallery-owner Christine Xuereb (aka Christine X), the project revolves around the idea of painting street murals.
By merging their artistic sensibilities and organisation skills they hope this project could benefit youth and society while simultaneously giving visual artists the freedom of expressing themselves through collaboration.
Christine X explains how initially, the “paintings” were to be made on canvas and affixed to designated walls. The paintings could then be removed and exhibited in a gallery.
However, on applying for funding, the MAF evaluating committee stressed that the works should be made directly on the walls.
Micallef Grimaud explains how local councils and government sectors have been extremely helpful and kept a positive attitude towards the project. In some instances, the authorities asked for a sketch – to know what to expect – but on seeing their portfolios were rather excited to see what they would come up with.
“We have already been contacted by other local councils who want to participate in this project. We hope this interaction between local councils and artists will continue to flourish through the production of more murals.
“Everyone has been keen on this project,” he enthused. “When I mention it I get a positive response. Art does not have to be restricted to four walls in a closed space but should go beyond... to allow us to actually live the experience.”
A stretch of wall on Bellavista Road in San Ġwann was the first to be given the green flag. MicallefGrimaud said “each wall is envisioned as a collaboration between different artists and their individual style/technique.
“Tino Moebius (Germany) and myself have a long background in graffiti: Tino specialising in 3D typography, while I tend to merge photorealism with urban contexts and also have a sound background in stencil art. Chris Jensen (Denmark) fuses his background in illustration with graffiti and Daniela Attard’s surrealist characters reflect her background in cartoons and comics.
“We discuss every project thoroughly before its conception. The difference in styles, respect for one another and our common goal creates a platform from which we can merge and expand ourknowledge.”
With so many eyeing the project, I wonder whether there is any pressure to set a standard: “I believe there should be pressure to set a standard and yes, I think it will determine the outcome of the rest of project. I have seen the work of the participants and I have no doubt that they’ll do a great job,” Christine X says confidently.
Micallef Grimaud feels that the team is “constantly setting a standard and trying to improve as artists. I don’t think the pressure is much different to what we undergo as artists.”
Each of the walls has been allocated a specific theme and subject dependant on location. Subjects have been kept general, subtle, and have simultaneously been given an artistic interpretation by participating/collaborating artists.
So with all these good intentions, can street art/graffiti/mural painting constitute a legitimate art form in Malta? And do the project organisers feel they are contributing towards shaping mentalities which could partly regard this activity as defacement or vandalism of public/private property?
Christine X believes so... “We wanted to show that street art is not simply a form of rebellion. It is our aim to get more acceptance from the public.” Micallef Grimaud agreed: “I believe the mentality is changing, especially when people see the levels which can be achieved artistically. Vandalism will remain vandalism. I would like to educate the public to see the difference between vandalism and art and for people to witness the beauty of having colour in their streets.
“We are painting directly on walls, therefore reclaiming spaces within localities which wouldotherwise be wasted or used for advertising.
“The main aim is the involvement of youth in such projects; to make them feel proud of their creations. This project will also make art accessible to everyone, not just a selected group who have time to visit a gallery.”