The 'Art' of tagging..

The art of tagging. It sounds like an oxymoron, but in reality it isn't. There is a real form and function behind the tag, and the style of the tag itself.

The book 'Flip The Script' would have to be one of the largest, commercially available "dictionaries" of hand styles and typography associated to tagging every created. The author Christian P. Acker states that 'Graffiti is one of the last strongholds of highly refined penmanship', and I would have to completely agree. The way and time these men and woman, boys and girls, dedicate to just writing a simple name is incredible. you can skim through thousands of videos on YouTube, watching these people practice and practice and evolving their tag.

I remember one artist stating he thought he wrote his tag over 100,000 times before he even tried to take it into the street. Even my own practice would total maybe 10,000 and I'm still not quite happy with the way it looks.

Here in Melbourne, our tagging and bombing scene is very low key and covert. It's very hard to get close to these artists, let alone photograph them or speak to them.  My dream would be to spend time getting to know some of the artists in Melbourne or Internationally, and discuss there respective styles and how it came about.

For me it would be a wonderful photographic project of not only subculture, but an insight into how typography has evolved.

Gregory Crewdson... Brief Encounters...

Gregory Crewdson is a photographer that many would say, is a genius.

His creativity and wonderful scenes can take your breath away, and at the same time drop you in a reality you have never belonged. He uses a massive crew for the world of Television and Cinema to create this "artificial" worlds. 

As this is only a trailer, I'm so excited!! This man is a wonder and to hear and see the process he takes in getting these images will be amazing!! I really hope this film gets to Australia. I would hate to have to find Ben Shapiro and drag him hear to perform it in interpretive dance!!

Gregory Crewdson Brief Encounters Has opened in the USA at selected cinemas. Check the site for dates and times.

Bill Cunningham New York

I was going through my normal Thursday Morning rituals. I get the Age Newspaper and was flicking through the Green Guide. Reading all the little tit bits about new generational stuff and the things bubbling under the surface of TV wonderland.

The most interesting thing I saw was that the DVD has now become available for the photographer Bill Cunningham. Bill rides an old Schwinn bicycle around New York City looking for those at the height of fashion and capturing there lovely image. He still shoots film and uses a Manuel Focus (yeah MANUAL FOCUS) lens.

Hes has captured some LOVELY LOVEY shots you can take find them through here.

David Bailey Photographer

I was sitting at home wondering "There is nothing good on TV over the Easter break" and then I found this on SBS Television.

David Bailey has photographed many many different types of people, and for many many different types of purpose. His Documentry is a mix of lovely lovely photographs mixed with some of his own movies.

It's a lovely watch if you have the time..