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End to End Burners (Meeting of Styles) · by Sach O
Click image for full gallery
I love good graf. But as an art critic, I hate boring Graf.
I’m not talking about tags and simple throw ups that real estate agents and conservative old ladies fear as the end of western civilization. Those serve their purpose (scaring old ladies) and act as a viable training ground for potential artists. Practice makes perfect and it’s not like a sterile brick wall is that appealing to look at anyways. No, I’m talking about complex pieces that don’t push boundaries or display any innovation. Whereas in the past new styles would regularly emerge and many artists would aim left in order to differentiate themselves, recently I’ve noticed an increasing amount of writers aping a similar post-millennial style. Much like battle rappers, these writers are technically immaculate but are all operating in the same format resulting in row after row of ill pieces…which unfortunately ended up blending together. It’s not always the writers’ or event organizers fault: time constraints and a lack of space play a major factor. Nor is this complaint aimed at the Montreal graf scene or any specific events (all of which are generally dope and a lot of fun). But much like emceeing, sometimes it’s hard to innovate new styles in a medium that’s soon to be pushing 40 (and still going strong!)
That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to come across a new Graf related in event in Montreal, Meeting of Styles. In addition to bringing in some new blood and covering an area desperately needing a new paint job so to speak, the combination of murals, pieces and pop culture references differed from what had become a bit of a status quo around here. From Super Mario Bros and Transformers inspired walls to more politically inclined commentary, there’s a lot of thought and meaning put into the artwork which is appreciated. In fact, the thematic work actually helped the wildstyle pieces get noticed, significantly raising their profile. All in all, a really dope event that resulted in a better looking area and some dope graf which more appreciated than ever now that the city is trying to crack down on aerosol art.
Comments for "End to End Burners (Meeting of Styles)"
sweet pics
— eskay Sep 5, 02:45 PM
some cool stuff there.
I remember Montreal having dope graf.
— David Sep 5, 09:43 PM
I feel a real connect to Montreal right now (takes out O.G. Expos fitted in pinwheel colorway).
Jackie Robinson played there for the Dodgers minor league club before coming down to Brooklyn.
— Dallas Sep 6, 10:12 AM
Oh WORD.
— MOS Montreal Nov 3, 01:00 AM