Melissa Bryan

Posts tagged street art

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Hi. I’ve been off duty, and I’ve had sooo much to say. Back with my graffiti, etc. series. I’m up to #17 - a mural on 30th by folk artist, musician and friend from back-in-the day Ethan Azarian. When I met Ethan in the 90s he had a cool band called the Orange Mothers (watch him sing their hit song Kids (Don’t Know) here). It’s been fun watching Ethan’s art gain in popularity (and price!) over the years.  Lots to report, coming soon!

Hi. I’ve been off duty, and I’ve had sooo much to say. Back with my graffiti, etc. series. I’m up to #17 - a mural on 30th by folk artist, musician and friend from back-in-the day Ethan Azarian. When I met Ethan in the 90s he had a cool band called the Orange Mothers (watch him sing their hit song Kids (Don’t Know) here). It’s been fun watching Ethan’s art gain in popularity (and price!) over the years. 

Lots to report, coming soon!

Filed under graffiti street art mural Ethan Azarian Orange Mothers folk art hole in the wall Austin austin music

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I’m up to #12 in my #30daysofpublicart series. These posters were wheatpasted all over downtown Belgrade when I visited last October. I assumed they had some awesome smash-the-state message but maaan was I ever wrong. It’s taken some sleuthing to figure this out. There was a gay pride parade in Belgrade on October 10. Unfortunately there were extremely well organized counter protests - and these ubiquitous posters are evidence of that. чекамо бас is basically a threat - “we’re waiting for you” (the literal translation, according to google is “just wait”) to scare potential marchers and encourage hateful counter protests. Around 1,000 people participated in the parade (Serbia’s first gay pride celebration since another much protested and violent attempt in 2001), but another 5,000 police were sent out to protect the marchers. Despite this, there was widespread violence and at least 100 people (mostly police officers) were injured. The Economist reported that the counter protesters yelled “Death to homosexuals!” and “Go to Kosovo” at the marchers. Despite this, gay rights groups see progress. In 2009, the parade was cancelled when the government would not promise the marchers safety. This year they offered 5,000 police in riot gear. Prominent politicians and police administrators openly supported the marchers’ right to free speech and assembly. One thousand people braved the hateful climate so their voices would be heard. I was only in Belgrade for a short time, but I found the city friendly, energizing and raw. While Serbia has its share of extremists and Nationalists, don’t forget its people also overthrew Slobodan Milošević in a movement lead by nonviolent student movement Otpor! (who made liberal use of graffiti and other guerilla communication tactics). It’s a region ripe for progress and tolerance. Here’s to the courageous people who are making that happen!

I’m up to #12 in my #30daysofpublicart series. These posters were wheatpasted all over downtown Belgrade when I visited last October. I assumed they had some awesome smash-the-state message but maaan was I ever wrong. It’s taken some sleuthing to figure this out.

There was a gay pride parade in Belgrade on October 10. Unfortunately there were extremely well organized counter protests - and these ubiquitous posters are evidence of that. чекамо бас is basically a threat - “we’re waiting for you” (the literal translation, according to google is “just wait”) to scare potential marchers and encourage hateful counter protests. Around 1,000 people participated in the parade (Serbia’s first gay pride celebration since another much protested and violent attempt in 2001), but another 5,000 police were sent out to protect the marchers. Despite this, there was widespread violence and at least 100 people (mostly police officers) were injured. The Economist reported that the counter protesters yelled “Death to homosexuals!” and “Go to Kosovo” at the marchers.

Despite this, gay rights groups see progress. In 2009, the parade was cancelled when the government would not promise the marchers safety. This year they offered 5,000 police in riot gear. Prominent politicians and police administrators openly supported the marchers’ right to free speech and assembly. One thousand people braved the hateful climate so their voices would be heard.

I was only in Belgrade for a short time, but I found the city friendly, energizing and raw. While Serbia has its share of extremists and Nationalists, don’t forget its people also overthrew Slobodan Milošević in a movement lead by nonviolent student movement Otpor! (who made liberal use of graffiti and other guerilla communication tactics). It’s a region ripe for progress and tolerance. Here’s to the courageous people who are making that happen!

Filed under 30daysofpublicart Belgrade Otpor Serbia gay pride posters pride resistance stand up street art poster art