Photos By John HoffThere are more signs to report of revitalization on West Broadway. Flowers have appeared on the 800 block, renovation has begun at 1005 West Broadway, and some artsy banners have taken their place on lamp posts.
I have mixed feelings about the banners. On the one hand, I think they are expressive and probably better than no artsy banners at all. On the other hand...
...to me they only say "Putting a happy face on urban dystopia." Distorted cartoon faces are not the kind of art which makes folks passing through West Broadway want to get out of their vehicles. I mean, what happened? Did some of the psycho clown's offspring show up for a summer family reunion at the old furniture store?
I have mixed feelings about the banners. On the one hand, I think they are expressive and probably better than no artsy banners at all. On the other hand...
...to me they only say "Putting a happy face on urban dystopia." Distorted cartoon faces are not the kind of art which makes folks passing through West Broadway want to get out of their vehicles. I mean, what happened? Did some of the psycho clown's offspring show up for a summer family reunion at the old furniture store?
I sincerely hope the "distorted faces" cartoon art is only temporary. Word is the banners are from Juxtaposition Arts.
I hope those banners scare the crack dealers as much as they scare me.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot more coming soon, too. Northside Arts COllective is creating two large banners for the 1001 West Broadway building featuring an outdoor gallery of NoMi artists. We're also putting in 5 artistic building facade improvements by the end of this year.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like the banners and think they create a nice feel to the Avenue. All art doesn't appeal to all people, as well know.
I could look at a dark, disturbing painting and say "that's great art" but would I want it hanging off a light pole on West Broadway?
ReplyDeleteThe faces don't smile. They are distorted. They look unfriendly. I can't help but be reminded of, for example, muggers and bad customer service.