Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
“Many walls in Kabul are already covered in advertising slogans or fly-posting. There are also rare political slogans.” Free expression and Afghanistan are not two things one normally might consider compatible. And as a continuation of that line of thinking, it is therefore not easy to envision Afghan youth sneaking around the streets and alleys of Kabul spray-painting slogans and anti-American-military phrases on the walls of homes and shops. But it is happening. It seems that teenagers and young adults in their 20s have taken inspiration and encouragement from British artist Banksy and anonymous western art group Combat Communications. As a result, in Kabul in the last 18 months an underground art scene has formed and grown, based largely on the desires of some Afghan youth to express their frustrations and concerns by painting graffiti and “editing” public advertisements and government signage. Pretty neat, and something to be encouraged in an historically oppressed and war-torn country like Afghanistan. Because maybe the way to true freedom and democracy in that country isn’t a gun, but a can of spray paint. (The Guardian UK – Afghan Graffiti Rebels)
Continue reading
Here’s a link to the Hookedhands blog who created and put up the Totoro yarn bomb. Did you know yesterday was Yarn Bomb day? It’s International as well. International Yarn Bomb Day! Well talked about especially during our Blithe Spirits art exhibition, was the Totoro Yarn Bomb. It’s Crocheted! We took a look at the blog, that were hanging in little strips of paper and saw this: “You can find my Totoro on Sawtelle Blvd between Olympic Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd. He’ll be smiling down at all the Japanese food lovers and Giant Robot frequenters, spreading some neighborly love.” We thank Hookedhands for the shout and the neighborly love.
Continue reading
Spotted and photographed by Sasha from Giant Robot at the corner of Sawtelle and Mississippi. Let’s see how long this stays there! Great work, Hayao Miyazaki would be proud.
Continue reading
As seen in West LA. No, that can’t be our friend David Horvath’s handiwork, but this looks like Uglydoll Ox. Eyes transposed, maybe the “artist” did some clever mirroring. I’d think doing an official, green OX electrical box would be the way to go. I’m just planting ideas.
Continue reading