A work of art can take many forms, use various media, have hundreds of different meanings or be displayed virtually anywhere. It’s hard to classify exactly what constitutes art, but the theory that art is a form of self-expression is generally accepted.For many, this need to speak out and reach the audience goes past the  bounds of the law and into the use of illegal installation art or street art.”This is art where the artist takes the installation and showing of the work into their own hands,” said John Michael Byrd, special events coordinator and director of the Flatscape Video Series. “They take the work to ‘the people’ and the everyday public.”The interstate overpass from the Dalrymple Drive exit off I-10 features the word “revolution” spray-painted on the side of the wall. A bit further, a Rubik’s cube is painted, along with more pictures underneath the bridge.This guerilla art can involve graffiti, performance, postering or protests occurring anywhere the artist wishes. But what usually ties these forms together are the underlying social or political messages.Despite the protections of speech Americans enjoy, the use of graffiti or street art is often illegal since the places artwork is shown is usually on or in conjunction with private property.The Flatscape Video Series will explore this use of illegal art Saturday in this month’s installation of the series.
The series will showcase three films that illustrate artists using pieces for political and social change as well. The series will also examine anarchist and activist elements in illegal installation art, artistic sabotage and a guerrilla artist caught in the act.The first film, 2003’s “Public Discourse,” is a 40-minute study on illegal installation art and the artists who want their work to be seen by a wide range of people rather than being confined to galleries and museums. The film shows the art-making process from initial idea through to exhibition, capturing private and personal moments of success and regret as the artists seek to bring their work to the public.
The 1995 documentary “Undeniable Evidence” follows, featuring guerrilla artists caught in the act of creating memorable happenings and actions. From short-lived pieces documenting geologic features of Spain’s San Sebastian beaches to dogs consuming a 280-pound sculpture made of bones and dog food to a short piece about people in suits vomiting the colors of the American flag, the film looks at art not always observed in mainstream culture.The final film of the night, “Bringing It All To You!” documents ®™ark, an organization dedicated to bringing anti-corporate subversion and sabotage into the public marketplace. The video compilation includes a behind-the-scenes look at some ®™ark propaganda efforts and how ®™ark seeks to intervene in and disrupt corporate logic.
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Contact Jake Clapp at [email protected]