Ephemera, Erasure, and Reality of Territory

by Jolene Torr

Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley in San Francisco’s Mission District are well-known for their high concentration of murals, for the diversity of color contained in one-block stretches of fences and residences with bustling commercial streets astride. Swoon, Andrew Schoultz, Sirron Norris, among many others, have added their signature styles, commissioned or not, to the famed narrow alleys. But it’s thanks to Intersection for the Arts in the Mid-Market for their exhibition programming that consistently explores, investigates, and expands on the ways in which people interact with art in public spaces.

On view until August 25th, Intersection’s group exhibit Motion Graphics: In and Beyond the Street transcends popular notions of what has come to be defined as street art. Art in non-art contexts, art that responds to the environment, distinct from vandalism or corporate advertising, art that is political, or spontaneous and fleeting as ever.

Read more at ArtSlant