The streets of Portland are still full of anonymous messages although I can not help but notice that graffiti is making a transformation. In some ways this change mimics rock and roll’s move from underground to mainstream in the 80s and 90s. Medium sized gang tagging, crude graffiti and whacked out counterculture messages appear to be on the wane as more and more wall sized murals begin to dominate the landscape. These gigantic, amazingly produced, pieces of art appear to be commercial calling cards that help businesses stand out from the landscape and visually separate themselves from the surrounding buildings.
The Rise of the Sticker
The counterculture appears to have become more automated, opting for huge numbers of preprinted minuscule wackiness that has firmly harkened in the age of the sticker. Think of it a little like Punk Music; rude, disorganized, snarky, messy, small and, yet, still loud. Clever miniature tags, notices, art and bits of wacky wisdom festoon most every pole or metal railing in town. They seem to encompass artistic expressions, clever ads, nasty pronouncements, silly doodles or simply the rantings of lunatics.
I love the sticker shots. So much to unpack with them. It looks like you are really getting around!
Proud 2 have been born “Poor in Portland” …
little known fact;
Smiles encourage Sun Breaks !??!
WoW!
I can recommend Sardinia too for the finest murals. Totally different but very interesting.
And by the way: make a stop over in Amsterdam. For other reasons of course!!!
Bruce these pictures look great.
Like Rembrandt our photographer is hidden in the yellow head(?)
I admire the self crowded “King of the Wall” looking to the Southern border for criminals and other dangerous but hardworking people .
There’s a lot of humor and erotic suggestion … amazing ! It is Portland ,Oregon , another side of America…
Fabulous images. Love the concept,..
You are a remarkable human, Bruce. I’m so glad to have Wendi for a friend because I got to know you through your work, your love of my friend, and wicked humor.
Thank you very much. It’s loving your friend that makes it all work.