Arts Explorer #9: Guerilla Art

Art word of the week: balance

     Balance "involves how an artist uses positive and negative space" (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 143). When discussing positive and negative space we must remember positive space entails the space "taken up with lines, colours, shapes and forms" (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 143). Subject matter, content and design all take the form of positive space. On the other hand, negative space "is the space left between or surrounding subject matter, symbols or shapes". (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 142).

     In reading what the task was for this weeks Arts Explorer I initially remembered an article I read in a magazine a couple of months ago. The article and its focus was on a specific form of guerilla art. Guerilla art is a method of art making that involves leaving anonymous art pieces in public places. Essentially, it is a form of expressing personal views and opinions to a large audience. Included in this genre of art are:

• Sidewalk chalk
• Sticker art
• Flyers/ posters
• Leave behind letters, journals, books
• Post- It art

operationbeautiful.com

     In this particular magazine, the focus was on Post- It and poster art that was left on poles, signs, books and other places/ items that were easily accessible to the everyday person. These notes and posters were decorated with slogans and messages of beauty, individualism and positivity. I distinctly remember the article and what an affect it had on me so, in a sense I guess it was automatic for me to follow in its footsteps. In researching this form of art and expression further, I came across "Operation Beautiful" whose tag- line is "transforming the way you see yourself one post- it note at a time." In venturing around the website, I found an art form that not only conveyed a statement, but one that also demonstrated good karma vibes and plain fun. For more information on Operation Beautiful, visit http://operationbeautiful.com/. 

     It was my turn to indulge in this art form and spread the word. So I brought my notes to work and placed them in places customers would without a doubt find them. I work at a restaurant so I thought where better to hide these statements than in the obvious menus. I also posted one on the mirror in the washroom in order to reach (hopefully) more women. 

Note in Washroom

     In terms of the reactions I achieved, I saw many women smiling while coming out of the washroom. Although no one said anything they did not need to, as their facial expressions were all I needed. A couple of the servers also mentioned that smiles were present on many faces while handing back the menus. I'm not surprised that there was no verbal reaction towards the notes. I know for myself, if I were to find these notes I wouldn't say anything to the staff- it would be more of an inner reaction and a sense of warmth within me. 

Notes in Menus 

     The process of this Arts Explorer began with a recollection of an article that had an obvious impact on me. It then turned into a form of research, and upon stumbling upon Operation Beautiful, it became more concrete and attainable. I pictured what I would think and feel if I came across these messages, which was a feeling that empowered and prompted me to do this Arts Explorer right away. I feel that although a little action, women and men alike would come to appreciate it. In a world where commercial advertising evokes what it means to be "beautiful", a simple note such as these would have a wonderful, original and genuine impact. 

     In terms of the balance of the artwork I can say they have an equal amount of positive and negative space. My writing, the stickers and the flower detail at the bottom take up quite a large amount of space, however within the shorter  notes, the amount of negative space seems to be the same amount. It is only within the longer note that the negative space seems to have diminished, creating a more cramped look. I would also consider my notes to be symmetrical (formal) as "the shapes are evenly or equally balanced around the same point" (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 143). If I were to fold the notes in half I believe both sides would have the same amount of writing, flower detailing, and stickers. In using the symmetrical (formal) balance technique, the notes look cleaner, more put together and aesthetically appealing. 

guardian.co.uk

     I really enjoyed this Arts Explorer activity, and I think implementing one like this in the Early Childhood classroom would be beneficial. Older children could be given the opportunity to do the same form of guerilla art I did. In encouraging children to hide positive notes around the classroom, they will develop and sustain their cognitive, social and emotional needs. Discussing feelings and emotions also work hand- in- hand with this activity as children can talk about how they felt when they found each note. Children of a younger age can also engage in sidewalk- chalk art by drawing things that are meaningful to them and others who may stumble upon their masterpiece. Drawing a big smiley face for example may have the potential to elicit the meaning of happiness and positivity among viewers and may be all they need when dealing with a bad day. It is astounding to see how such a small concept such as guerilla art can harvest such large and positive results among a whole community and beyond!

Schirrmacher, R. , & Englebright Fox, J. . (2009). Art & creative development for young children. Belmont, California : Delmar Cengage Learning.