MANIFESTO OF GRAFFITO - 2011

As part of one of our briefs we have been asked to read Graphic Design Theory - Readings from the field. Then we have to comment on some of the essays. I would say I am no academic and have found some of what I have read a little hard going. On page 21 their is the Manifesto of Futurism, which reminded me in some ways of what Remi/Rough said when I interviewed him last month. So I have re-written the manifesto in honour of Remi.

LITTLE LIZZIE WHITTON, BY SOME GREAT GRAFFITI WRITING I FOUND IN SHOREDITCH.

MANIFESTO OF FUTURISM 1909 RE-INTERPRETED 

MANIFESTO OF GRAFFITO - 2011 

1. The work of our hands will reveal our love of danger. We will be fearless and our energy will know no bounds. 

2. We will show courage and audacity. We will be bold and daring in the pursuit of our Art. 

3. When the world is asleep, tucked up in bed or closeted indoors, we will harness our feverish insomnia, as we roam the dark places, running from the law and leaping/darting out of sight at all times. 

4. Our deconstructed letter forms will be a thing of magnificent beauty. We will create, with speed and fervour. The tails of our letters will be like serpents wrapped around their prey. 

5. We will use our paints and sprays (aerosols) with the precision of a Samurai warrior – fast, accurate and to the point. 

6. Our fore fathers painted in caves, but we will paint in tunnels, alleyways and in places full of urban decay. 

7. To most, our work is ugly and aggressive, but to a few open-minded ones, it will be a masterpiece on the stark, faceless concrete canvases 

8. We will break down the walls of confrontation. When our work is done, we will admire it frame it with a quick glance and then store it in our memories forever. Then we will move on, in a flash, to a new adventure. 

9. The masters of our Art will fight for supremacy, in an urban warfare. Each line will be a destructive gesture, in the eye of authority. But, to the youth this beautiful art will bring passion to their mind – Art that took risks, even onto death. 

10. We will not let our work end up in galleries, or museums, where the public has to pay to see it. Our art must be free, framed by its urban birthplace – not stagnating behind glass, but free, alive and open to the elements. 

11. As night falls, we will bring riotous operas of colour. Multi-coloured tides of revolution will burst from every capital letter with gusto. Bold vibrant-coloured aerosol cans will glitter under neon street lights. It will be a new dawn for the freedom of expression.