For our project, we wanted to investigate the graffiti world of NYC, which took us to 5Pointz, its nickname being “The United Nations of Graffiti”. One of the main goals of the building was to remove the negative stereotypes associated with graffiti and see it as a modern art form. It was a hub for artistic creativity, where artists all over the world with different styles contributed to the building. Sadly, the building was demolished by Jerry Wolkoff in 2014 to make way for high-rise residencies, despite warnings from artists and a lawsuit.
We weren't aware of the value and place graffiti had in NYC, as we saw them on buildings labeled as "illegal". But, examining specific examples of graffiti and the life of some of the artists, it had elevated our perspective. If anything, art is an escape from the harsh realities of our lives. When we see art, we are reminded of the capabilities we have, that we are not just made to work with the sole purpose of earning money.
