Thanks to everyone who contributed to our lively class discussions today! Here is more info on Seen, the graffiti artist I had mentioned who's work later became successful in the art world...
Seen on Wikipedia
Seen's website
How does his career trajectory relate to Professor Ewen's comments today on the idea of official culture vs. popular culture?
The Fall Semester...
16 years ago
Well, Professor Ewen raised the battle between the two cultures for who has more power and a greater influence on society. Seen, or the "Godfather of Graffiti" as he is described on his website, is now participating in art galleries. The official culture approves of commercializing products to make more money, so in that sense his art is not potrayed as bad. His art is seen as "a breakdown of social order," as Professor Ewen said in class, by the official culture when he threatens their authority by "bombing" where he isn't suppose to, such as the subway, on buildings, etc.
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