Documentary Photography

I chose to photograph public art, whether that may be wall murals, graffiti, words written or spray painted with stencils on buildings or the ground.  Because these are all designs in the public, they are not limited by who sees them, especially if they are in high-traffic areas (such as a couple of the images taken on the U of A campus).  Perhaps the people who created the art did this on purpose--to paint or write each of these things so they would be seen by lots of people--the words written in their messages become a lot more meaningful when exposed to many people.  Most of these pieces of art are actually graffiti but have a positive message or leaves you with something to think about such as "You are so beautiful", "Don't STOP Believing", "Stay Positive", and "Destroy Power Not People."  Although these examples are all the works of some type of graffiti, it still is a form of art.  Public art can come in many forms (a common example would be the wall mural), but some people may argue that not all these forms are acceptable (like the graffiti).  When I came across these more unusual forms of graffiti, they made me take a second look, which may be the goal of the artists who painted these.  The same goes for the wall mural--all these artworks were created to stand out and be looked at, whether they are "defacing" public property or not.  The concept of public art cannot be defined by one simple, universal example.  All these images help define what public art can truly incorporate.

Be In Love--Tucson, AZ

Stay Positive--Tucson, AZ

You Are So Beautiful--Tucson, AZ

Don't Stop Believing--Tucson, AZ

6th Street Mural--Tucson, AZ

"The most valuable possession is an open heart.  The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace."-Carlos Santana
Graffiti Quote--Los Angeles, CA

Obey--Westwood, CA

Destroy Power Not People--Westwood, CA