Basics, Plastic jesus and Uncutt

1. Who gets to
decide what
art gets put
up in public
spaces?
• Levy: Local Government, is it rebellious or Anti-state, they wouldn’t put it
up.
• Diamond: People can also petition to put things up.
• Justin: The city or town decides. LOCATION is important.
• Moh: Considering the Christopher Columbus statue, some people
vandalized it saying something about genocide.
• Dakota: Local residents get to choose too. They can protest or promote
different art in their hood.

2. Some art in a
public space near
us…
Adam and Eve
By Fernando Botero
1932
Bronze
When asked by his sculpture and paintings often
feature larger and exaggerated forms, Botero
remarked: "An artist is attracted to certain kinds
of form without knowing why. You adopt a
position intuitively; only later do you attempt to
rationalize or even justify it.”

3. Who gets to
decide what
art gets put
up in public
spaces?
• Michael: I DECIDE. The government gets to decide…but if you’re a graffiti or street
artist, then YOU get to decide.
• Adrianna: Like Banksy
• Artan: The community gets to decide. People in Bk don’t get to choose what goes
up in Manhattan. Go back to BK!!
• Sarah: ANYONE can decide where to put their art…but there’s consequences.
• Marco: There are laws that govern this....we should obey the law.
• Julio: WHO CARES ABOUT THE LAW.
• Prince: Anyone should be able to put art anywhere, as long as it’s positive.

4. Graffiti:
….

5. “graffiti”
Writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed
illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.
Stickers and other adhesives can also be considered
graffiti. Graffiti ranges from simple written words to
elaborate wall paintings.

6. Aerosol spray
&
paint markers

7. Scratchiti
etching acids

8. Vandalism:
…..

9. “vandalism”
Vandalism is the behavior attributed originally to the Vandals, by
the Romans, in respect of culture: ruthless destruction or spoiling of
anything beautiful or venerable. The term also includes
criminal damage such as graffiti and defacement directed towards
any property without permission of the owner.
Source: Wikipedia and Oxford Dictionary

10. Visigoths Sack Of Rome in 410 CE
by J.N. Sylvestre 1890
1980s PUNK band

11. Breaking, Looting, Smashing, Destroying.

12. Street Art:
…..

13. “street art”
Street art is art, specifically visual art, developed in public spaces — that is,
"in the streets" — though the term usually refers to unsanctioned art, as
opposed to government sponsored initiatives (like public art).
The term can include traditional graffiti artwork, sculpture, stencil graffiti,
Lock On´s , sticker art, Yarn-Bombing, wheatpasting and street poster art,
video projection, art intervention, guerrilla art, and street installations.
Sources: Wikipedia, Oxford Dictionary, kozak’s thoughts.

14. Why do you think vandalism,
graffiti and street art often
confused?
• Sarah: Most people think art is only in
museums…but when it’s on the street,
people just assume it’s something else.
• Promia: The public/media generally
treats these things with disdain.
• Adrianna: Because it’s illegal, it makes
people want do it more. There’s a thrill
factor to it.
– Julio; TRUE. ADRENALINE.
• Artan: People don’t want THEIR
property spray painted.
– Destiny: it’s MY door. It’s MY property.
Don’t spray paint it. (Nita totes agrees)
– Sakin: If it’s gang related, it could make you
a target.

15. Homework due on Thursday 9/14
• Email kozakartclass a clear picture of a piece
of graffiti or street art in your neighborhood.
– (remember not to share via google drive)

16. Why do you think vandalism,
graffiti and street art often
confused?
• Moh: The people who are putting up
this art think it’s graffiti/street art but
the people who don’t want it up
consider it vandalism.
• Levy: Because they’re all in the same
place, people get them confused. If
people don’t know anything about
street art, they may mistake a “tag” for
vandalism.
• Gyaban: Sometimes people see it as
gang affiliation signs.
• .
• .

17. Lock on’s
Ghost bikes by
The NYC street Memorial Project
Tape sculptures
By Mark Jenkins
Site Specific …when the LOCATION is significant to the ARTWORK.
When art is made for a specific area, and not some other area.
and the artwork’s meaning is informed by the location

18. Sculptures
Banksy
Aakash Nihalani

19. Stickers (adhesives)
aakash nihalani
stikman

20. What is wheat paste?

21. wheat paste!!

22. What is wheat paste?
Water, flour and sugar (and copper sulphate to make it insect resistant)
Keeps for about a month, slowly starts to yellow and decay.

23. Stencils
Shopping Jesus
By Banksy

24. Plastic Jesus
Aerosol stencil
2016

25. • California: If the amount of defacement, damage, or destruction is
less than four hundred dollars ($400), vandalism is punishable by
imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not
more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and
imprisonment.
• Nevada For example, if you are convicted of a graffiti crime in the
state of Nevada, the penalty ranges from as little as fine of between $400
and $1,000 and serving 100 hours of community service, to as much as
five years in a state prison and a $10,000 fine.
• New York: Making Graffiti, pursuant to New York Penal Law 145.60,
when one makes a mark (etches, draws on, covers, etc.) on another's
property (whether it be public or private) with the intent to cause
damage. Making Graffiti is an "A" misdemeanor punishable by up to one
year in jail.

26. Plastic Jesus
Aerosol stencil
2016

27. Plastic Jesus
Aerosol stencil
2016

28. Plastic Jesus, BEST BUY - USELESS PLASTIC BOX
Plastic Jesus
tries to work as
ethically as
possible and
minimize harm
to the
environment.
His street art is
only left in place
for a limited time
and then
removed. Any
damage to the
urban
environment is
avoided and
limited as far as
possible.

29. A few months ago the idea that people would be prevented from traveling to the
USA whilst holding the correct credentials would have sounded crazy. Or that people
having travelled here legitimately would be detained for no reason and without legal
representation. Or that Immigration snatch squads would wait outside schools or
public meetings to apprehend people even though their immigration status is
currently being processed by the USA government... Not so far fetched now?

31. Plastic Jesus
Sculpture installation
2016

32. CLASS INTERPRETATIONS
Kendell: He hates Donald Trump and his ideas
(executive orders)
Azalea: He speaks with his art, using it to send a
message.
Gyaban: Politically correct (kozak: or is it????)
Moh: He’s a VERY sarcastic guy. (Satirical)
Kellyah: Some people may be offended by him
poking fun at sensitive topics.
Kendell: He’s a jack of all trades, he’s doing spray
paint, sculpture….
.
.

33. CLASS INTERPRETATIONS
Prince: He’s politically driven, like he wants everyone
to be equal…..but he also wants to be famous.
.
Artan: He seems smart.
Sarah: He seems carefree, like he doesn’t care what
anyone thinks about his art.
Promia:He seems to be fighting for social justice and
advocating for the opinions of the public and current
events.
Noume: He seems like he’s in with the now. He’s up to
date with current events.
Michael: His work is a LITTLE controversial…...he’s
bringing up topics about society and how we impact
these decisions.
.
.
.

34. ARTISTIC INTENTIONS…
Plastic Jesus is a Los Angeles based
street artist that specializes in bold
stencil and installation work, inspired
by….
• world news events
•society
•the urban environment,
•Culture
•And Politics.
His critically acclaimed work combines
humor, irony, criticism and unique
opinion to create art that engages on
many levels.

35. Often questioning the norms in society
Plastic Jesus confronts our compliance
of culture and current affairs. The artist
uses scale and contradiction as a means
to highlight issues and opinions that
often go unquestioned.
The aesthetic appeal of his work
combined with the engagement
produces an addictive mix that
challenges our acceptance.
Plastic Jesus is not about revolution, he
is not a anarchist but would like to see
some changes around the place. His
work is more about shining a small light
into some of those dark corners of
society.

36. @PlasticJesus is not limited to just stencil art

37. PLASTIC JESUS
“Every day twenty two former military veterans commit suicide.”
2016

38. Final thoughts on our INTERPRETATION vs. artistic
INTENTION
Kendell: IT’s not like he’s just making it for no reason…
all of his ideas are relevant.
Benzion: It’s humerous pieces like the little wall around
Trump’s star that are creative, and people may even
laugh at the joke, even if they’re Trump fans.
Tenzin: The Useless Box is like a warning for this
generation.
Gyaban: It’s like “don’t spend money on irrelevant
things.”
Tatiana: He uses a lot of different mediums...it shows
he has talent and not just one material. (versatility)
Jaylieen: I don’t think he really makes a difference in
everyday life. I know it’s everywhere, but I don’t think it
affects everyone’s life.
Daymoni: It’s like saying “why does this person make
music?” if you don’t listen to it, you may not care about
it. .
plasticjesus.net

39. Final thoughts on our INTERPRETATION vs. artistic
INTENTION
Julio: His artwork stands out for what he wants to
change in the world.
Cass: He’s fine. The things he says are important. But
he’s definitely not the first person to say these things.
Marco: His work is important…but I didn’t see it
when I was in LA. It helps to bring awareness to the
people.
Danisa: His stuff be smart. Nahsayinnnn? His work is
controversial....but bad publicity is still good publicity.
Like Donald Trump...the first comments he made be
crazy.
Promia: He’s a bit like robin hood....whether you like
it or not depends on if you’re the oppresor or the
oppressed.
Theresa: He doesn’t really care what other people
think. He just wants to get his opinion out there.
Artan: Even though new yorkers view DT as this “evil
guy” other people may respect him.
plasticjesus.net

40. Another example of stencils…

41. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart
UnCutt (sometimes known as
UnCasso) is a New York City based
street artist, originally from
Queens. His work can now be found
in New Jersey, Miami, and beyond.

42. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart
UnCutt gained massive notoriety
in 2014 at Art Basel (a large art-
fair in Miami) when he created a
massive mural of Steve Jobs at
Wynwood Walls, a location
similar to the Coney Island Art
Walls.

43. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart
UnCutt gained massive notoriety
in 2014 at Art Basel (a large art-
fair in Miami) when he created a
massive mural of Steve Jobs at
Wynwood Walls

45. Protecting Yo Heart simply means to be careful what you put in your
Heart, from negative words, people, to negative feelings. You see, the
heart is a self-contained organ like the rest of our wonderful body. The
heart plays an important role in your physical & Spiritual (vibration) life.
Physically, by making sure that clean blood is distributed through out
the body and spiritually, allow you to freely give & accept love thru out
the Universe. Now, the key is making sure we don’t interfere with that
natural order. We don’t have to try to love because love is like air, it’s all
over, a reminder to be mindful of what we allow in. You see, I just want
everybody to realize that we share the same energy and that we are all
one race.

46. How do we decide what we allow in? Emotionally? Socially?
Nila: It depends on what bothers you the most or what you connect to.
If there’s a topic that I feel strongly about, it’ll affect me more.
Like How people may try to tell YOU how you feel.
Danisa: Sometimes I just wanna argue. But sometimes people come at
me with a stupid argument and I stop, because it’s just going to stress
me out. .
Promia: we decide what we allow into us based on who we admire and
look up to.

47. How do we decide what we allow in? Emotionally? Socially?
Tatiana: It depends on who you spend time with, what kinds of people.
Tenzin: The environment you’re in can affect you’re emotions. Like in a
busy train, it can affect your feelings. You have control over your
feelings.
jaylieen: You can fight your feelings, but they’re going to come out
eventually. Anger and hatred come out eventually.
Yeva: Go read “The Secret” If you think too much about negative stuff,
it’ll just keep coming back to you.
--power of positive thinking.
Kendell: People used to make fun of me for being good at Soccer. BUT
NOW I’m TALLER THAN ALL OF THEM.

48. “My message is way bigger then a sidewalk that’s full of gum, cigarette
butts and those wack ass marks those construction dudes be leaving on
the ground in bright orange, red or black spray cans. I try to be very
respectable about this but everybody's gonna have something to say
when they don’t understand your moves. All I can say is, this is not for
them and they don’t deserve my time.”

49. “My message is way bigger then a sidewalk that’s full of gum, cigarette
butts and those wack ass marks those construction dudes be leaving on
the ground in bright orange, red or black spray cans. I try to be very
respectable about this but everybody's gonna have something to say
when they don’t understand your moves. All I can say is, this is not for
them and they don’t deserve my time.”

51. “[After years of using this quote,] one of my followers informed me to
look into Proverb 4:23. Come to find out, the quote says: Above all else,
Guard your heart for everything you do comes from it.
So I saw that as a sign that I came up with the new version for our
generation and I was convinced that the Universe is really speaking
through me and I must spread the word that we all already know but
seem to forget the importance because of our everyday lifestyle of
trying to keep up with this physical life.”

52. Interpretations???
.
.
.

53. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart

54. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart
The Love Board
waslocated on 9th
ave
between 14th
and 15th
streets. On the first
day, the board was
fully covered early
into the project.
UnCutt erased it six
more times as it filled
up, documenting the
results on instagram.
He continues to
maintain the piece at
various venues

55. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart
With journalist Noor Tagouri
@ntagouri
The Love Board
waslocated on 9th
ave
between 14th
and 15th
streets. On the first
day, the board was
fully covered early
into the project.
UnCutt erased it six
more times as it filled
up, documenting the
results on instagram.
He continues to
maintain the piece at
various venues

56. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart
UnCutt continues to use this
graphic style in his other work.
His image of Michael Jackson has
been almost as prolific as Protect
Yo Heart. He often chooses
‘people who inspire him’ as
subjects of his work.
Notorious BIG
2016
Coco Chanel
2016
YoungMJ
Date unknown

57. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart
Much of UnCutt’s YoungMJ work
is screen printed and wheat-
pasted. This follows a long
tradition of street artists like
Swoon and Shepard Fairey…
“All these strange
pieces came
together to create
this beautiful
image…as humans,
so can we.”

58. UnCutt
@uncuttart
@protectyoheart
Also similar to other street
artists like OBEY, UnCutt has
begun to monetize his street art
into commercial products and
fashion. Most of these are
limited edition.

59. Does this impact the quality of UnCutt’s work? Final Thoughts?
Levy: This doesn’t impact his work, because he needs to eat at the
end of the day.
Kendell: People may think it’s all about money. But that’s ok. I would
use this to make money. But some people are critical thinkers and
like to go hard. People that are pessimists, looking for something
wrong in everything.
Jaylieen: You can think critically without being pessimistic
Daymoni: You can think critically to learn more….it’s not necessarily
negative.

60. Does this impact the quality of UnCutt’s work? Final Thoughts?
Adrianna: Even though his intentions are honest….the more you try
to make a profit out of it...the more it may lose it’s initial value.
Artan: DISAGREE. He didn’t start off as a clothing designer….but hey,
you can’t survive off of painting things on the street.
Sarah: It’s like a reminder....you see it every time you wear it. This
may help get his message out even more
Danisa: I agree BUT.....the message loses it’s value. I understand he
needs to make ends meet, but this may change his art. You may start
changing your message so that more people buy it.
.

62. Location Survey
• Name
• Borough
• Neighborhood (name the cross streets if you
don’t know the precise Nabe-Name)

63. MANHATTAN .
.
.
.
.

64. BRONX

65. …...
….
….
…....

66. ….
…
…
….
….
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