we talked about the various reasons for art, whether it contains a business agenda or perhaps just a part of the daily life because the artist simply can. Another point of discussion were the classical elements of traditional art placed within the context of a large and modern city (the caryatid woman.) we discussed whether they had a purpose/ for someone or were done from a stream of consciousness Untitled by Stanley Pratt
Graffiti in my opinion is an art, a controversial one albeit, but one that is indeed truly expressive and requiring of immense talent. The Untitled piece by Stanley Pratt is an acrylic work on canvas, and an excellent representation of the various styles and forms of graffiti. I was immediately drawn to this work because of the colors and how they interplay and complement each other. The background is quite muted and subtle, showing a vast and jagged mountain range peering out through clouds during a sunset. The pastel hues and shaded “illustrative effect” of these mountains allow the main focal point to truly pop. These four, very tall, and stylized letters spell out the name of the artist Stanley Pratt. Grafitti, I learned, is often signed by the artist with a unique “tag” or signature. This is a way of making your mark in the world of street art and it is essential in developing a brand and a style. The fact that this piece displays the “tag” so prominently and so uniquely is what truly makes this piece distinctive and original, and very revealing of the importance of “getting your name out there.” The colors within the letters dramatically complement each other, and the vegetation composed of electric red mushrooms and verdant bushes provide a beautiful and cohesive scene.
I was truly in awe of this beautiful work because of its creative approach to graffiti and street art. Pratt utilized elements of “traditional” graffiti (the mushrooms, plants and grass) while combining more illustrative renderings of the sky and mountains. I then realized the complexity of this art which required immense creativity, originality, and “branding.” The conglomeration of various styles in Untitled by Stanley Pratt shows great maturity and a unique, distinct aesthetic, one which I truly appreciate and respect.