Fine art versus street art

The pictures shown here was planned and executed as a location shoot for a model portfolio.

But it also highlights for me the CONTRAST between fine art (dance, photography, modelling) versus "street art". I know that we all tend to condemn "graffiti" as vandalism, but I want you consider another perspective today.

Art, in my eyes, is a JOURNEY - A journey of self-discovery followed by self-expression to the outside world. So often, we find ourselves moulded into a rigid form, created by the world, trying to define who we are. And yes - I am referring to the age old adage "putting people into boxes" in part.

BUT, I am also referring to something more than this. I am referring to us being so caught up in making a living, that we forget to actually LIVE.


Art helps us in discovering who we really are and expressing that UNIQUE ME, not the engineer, doctor, photographer or whatever, but the REAL ME to the world outside.

Some of us are fortunate enough to have the opportunity and means to pursue "fine arts" like dance, modelling, music, etc. and that is AWESOME. But there are other people that are not so fortunate!

People that never get the opportunities that we do. People that are almost "outcasts of society" because they are poor, unsightly, uneducated or whatever!! I suspect that grafiti (in some cases) is an expression by these people to be seen and recognized for WHO THEY ARE, as we like to express ourselves through our art.

So my plea today is - don't just judge. When you see graffiti, spare these people a thought - maybe even a prayer. Who knows - it may be an urgent appeal for help!

For me, this also reflects the CONTRAST in the world between left-brainers and right-brainers. The world often moulds us into left-brain beings, because it's practical - it contributes to society - its easier to comprehend. But this often denies who we really are.

I wrote the following poem a while ago - my personal interpretation of who I am :)

Internal conflict:

Lots of studies on left brain vs right brain

So please don’t think me vain ...

Having a balanced left and right

Is nothing but a pain!

Forever a contest, a power play

Who is right, who says nay.

A continuous pulling of strings

And similar - other sort of things

Disorganized vs Structured

Sensible vs Exciting

Responsible vs Daring

Rigid vs Relaxed

It influences every sphere of life

Hacks your decisions - like a knife

Makes you wonder, daily

If the preference you chose was mainly ...

A way of survival

Or really denial?

Can you accommodate the two?

When the world prefers - the left

RIGHT – the one not to pursue

Truth? – The world created the cleft

Working the left …

No reason for theft!

Working the right …

You’re often despised!

Living your life as a juggler

Left brain - right brain - Your balls

The internal conflict – a smuggler!

Creating – then breaking down walls!

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine.

But it remains – always – enticing

Daily - ensuring – forever

That life remains – o – so exciting!

(c) 2007 Gert Botha

I hope this caused you to think a little or maybe even drawn a smile. Please leave me your comments below. I can take criticism and also praise.

Have a wonderful day!