Part 4: Research - Street Art

 To celebrate Late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee June 2022.

Mural installation in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

This mural created by local residents Mark and Pam Brennen as an installation to commemorate the Late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee residing on the side of a building society in the high street of Hadleigh, Suffolk. The location is a place where many people pass by by foot or by vehicle and is a bold, icon that symbolises the strength Queen Elizabeth delivered to her people during her reign. 

The Union Jack as the background communicates the country she served and the artist has used those colours in Queen Elizabeth's portrait which strengthens the image and is symbolic of how her service to our country was her whole life. It's pop art style, is bold and communicates the message in a clear and concise way. The gold of Queen Elizabeth's crown and earrings serves to communicate wealth, royalty and elegance. I believe the image was created from a well known photograph from her coronation on 2nd June 1953, this serves to show the passage of time of her reign. 

This mural has since become a memorial for our Late Queen since her recent passing and people have laid flowers and messages by it as a symbol of their gratitude to her and their love.

This street art is a good example of 'graffiti' being of value and adding to the community, whilst upholding a strong message and positive communication to the town. 

Mural in Harwich

Starlings Dovercourt -

This graffiti was commissioned by the local council to cover the hoarding around a marked site that was to be rejuvenated after demolition. I tried to find more information on the relevance of the artwork but couldn't find anything. Residents of Dovercourt may be more informed than I am. These photos were taken by my Husband on a site visit to show another example of street art fairly local to us.

Further Research on Street Art in Other Locations:

https://youtu.be/AoL5zykVYws

https://youtu.be/7zXx2OVO_X4

https://youtu.be/8MYGPWBodxQ

Group in Brandon Suffolk who regularly yarn bomb around the community for different events and charities. One lady in particular got a letter from the Queen in response to her sharing the groups activities for her Platinum Jubilee. Facebook.com. 2022. Redirecting.... [online] Available at: <https://www.facebook.com/groups/395113397571360/> [Accessed 12 August 2022].

London Kaye - Yarn Bomber: 

https://www.instagram.com/madebylondon/

Tunbridge Wells Yarn Bomber:

https://www.instagram.com/tunbridgewellsyarnbomber/

Poppies in churches across Suffolk for remembrance Sunday.

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/uk-news/2018/10/29/21000-knitted-poppies-donated-for-church-tower-cascade/

David Zinn - Chalk Pavement Artist:

https://youtu.be/nW-MbHbLpBE

https://www.instagram.com/davidzinn/ 

Summary:

The context is very important when understanding street art. The examples I've picked all stem from important national issues, events or social awareness with the exception of the chalk pavement art, which is comical and adds a sense of humour to daily life. I feel like these types of street art add value to the community and a voice to the people in a way that is valid and acceptable.

Graffiti for the sake of defacing property or 'tagging' is a selfish act with no context for others, therefore doesn't benefit the community in which it is placed in and is simply vandalism.

References:

East Anglian Daily Times. 2022. 7 of the best murals and street art to check out in Suffolk. [online] Available at: <https://www.eadt.co.uk/things-to-do/7-best-street-art-murals-in-suffolk-8342092> [Accessed 23 May 2022].

East Anglian Daily Times. 2022. Banksy artwork increases price of empty Lowestoft store by £200,000. [online] Available at: <https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/banksy-mural-lowestoft-shop-for-sale-8287348> [Accessed 23 May 2022].

Instagram.com. 2022. Login • Instagram. [online] Available at: <https://www.instagram.com/rachthepachel/?hl=en> [Accessed 23 May 2022].

Instagram.com. 2022. Ninja Yarnbomber (@tunbridgewellsyarnbomber) • Instagram photos and videos. [online] Available at: <https://www.instagram.com/tunbridgewellsyarnbomber/> [Accessed 12 August 2022].

Let's Roam Explorer. 2022. The History of Street Art. [online] Available at: <https://www.letsroam.com/explorer/history-of-street-art/> [Accessed 12 August 2022].