Etched Image

This is another instance of persistent graffiti. You have to admire the strategy. Firstly the tag is unobtrusive so it is less likely to draw complaints. Secondly it is on a sign that I can assure Ralph's is loath to replace. It is also ironic, because it attacks the social order on the very sign that seeks to enforce it. The information for the Ralph's is as follows:

Ralph's #123
101 G St.
San Diego CA 92101

Poster Boy Arested Maybe Maybe Not

Though the focus of this article is San Diego graffiti, the world of graffiti is very integrated. The New York Times has reported that the New York City street artist known as Poster Boy has been arrested. Apparently his apprehension was effected through the use of plain clothes agents. There is some question if the man arrested is the real Poster Boy, or just a member of the Poster Boy movement.

Now I realize that much graffiti and street art is illegal. In fact though I certainly have ideas that would be best expressed in this medium, the thought of jail is a deterrent. After all, Charlie, who accompanies me everywhere would be sent to doggy jail at least until his mommy could bail him out. Though I am sure that he wouldn't be any body's bitch, I still would like to spare him the indignity. But I have found that often the Broken Window of policing sometimes puts artist and homeless people ahead of much more destructive criminals for investigation.

It is the reality of the law that when you have broken a law you are at the mercy of the whims of the prosecutor and the police, but where were these crack plain clothes agents while Bernie Madoff was stealing billions. If, San Diego is any guide, they were probably fining a homeless person for charging up their wheel chair at a public outlet.

But Street Art is best when it speaks for itself, here is some of Poster Boy's work, courtesy Gothamist.

310 K Street - Hidden Graffiti

Pictures Taken on 25 January 2009

What is the motivation of graffiti writes, graffiti artist, and street artist? Certainly the motivations must differ amongst these various groups and probably vary greatly amongst individuals within each of these groups. If the motivation is merely communication than a strategy might develop to place graffiti in an area where it will quickly draw attention. But what if the motivation is to delineate boundaries between group or to leave a lasting message a stab at immortality. Then perhaps one would use a strategy of hiding the graffiti so that it would be accessible to the intended audience but, less likely to draw the attention of graffiti control programs. Perhaps this graffiti inside a rubbish receptacle is an example of this strategy.

This example of graffiti was photographed at 310 K Street, San Diego CA 92101.