So, I noticed trees, telephone poles, parking meters, and half of a bridge covered in yarn in my town. I also noticed that new ones kept showing up. I thought it was awesome and after investigating I found out that apparently 'Yarn Bombing' is a worldwide thing. This may be old news but I had never heard of it and it seems really awesome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarn_bombing
Some of my favorites from looking stuff up online:
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/197/f7oa.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/197/f7oa.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/713/j5yn.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/713/j5yn.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/594/5jz4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/5jz4.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/542/32ve.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/542/32ve.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/401/jkxi.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/401/jkxi.jpg/)
Anyhoo, I think it's super neat. Also International Yarn bomb day happens at the beginning of June. I really think I might try my hand at knitting because this is so awesome and fun.
More pics here: http://weburbanist.com/2012/03/16/yarn-bombs-51-victims-of-knitted-graffiti/?ref=search&utm_campaign=googimages&utm_source=images&utm_medium=other
I think this shit is great. Anything that uses public spaces for fun creative purposes is fine by me.
I don't knit so maybe this is a dumb question, but I've always wondered how they get the material onto an object like a tree or something? Do they knit most of it at home, then wrap it around the tree and stitch up the seam?
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 04:52:30 PM
I think this shit is great. Anything that uses public spaces for fun creative purposes is fine by me.
I don't knit so maybe this is a dumb question, but I've always wondered how they get the material onto an object like a tree or something? Do they knit most of it at home, then wrap it around the tree and stitch up the seam?
I'm curious about that part too.
The one's I see on my street seem to have a seam that gets stiched up once the rest is complete. I don't know enough about knitting to know exactly how, though.
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 04:52:30 PM
I think this shit is great. Anything that uses public spaces for fun creative purposes is fine by me.
I don't knit so maybe this is a dumb question, but I've always wondered how they get the material onto an object like a tree or something? Do they knit most of it at home, then wrap it around the tree and stitch up the seam?
Yes, that is exactly how it's done.
We have some fairly active yarnbombing groups here, I was just in Kenton and they've covered most of the bike racks and poles there recently.
that's awesome.
Does the yarn ever get moldy and gross? What does a yarnbomb look like years later?
when people speak out against yarnbombing, what are their arguments?
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 05:47:19 PM
that's awesome.
Does the yarn ever get moldy and gross? What does a yarnbomb look like years later?
when people speak out against yarnbombing, what are their arguments?
I just moved to Ypsi in July and the ones I've seen have been out in the elements since at least then. I don't know if they use special yarn but they still look really nice and don't seem to smell. Ypsi is pretty cool about it too. The city doesn't take them down even if its on a telephone pole or parking meter.
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 05:47:19 PM
that's awesome.
Does the yarn ever get moldy and gross? What does a yarnbomb look like years later?
when people speak out against yarnbombing, what are their arguments?
Yes, eventually the colors fade and it becomes kind of a crusty grey mess, and someone replaces it or takes it down. The great thing about yarnbombing is that the cheaper the yarn, the better: $2 acrylic Red Heart crap yarn, being essentially made out of plastic, is going to hold up better outdoors than just about anything else you can use. It's also a fun way to use up odds and ends.
There are cranky people who don't like yarnbombing and for the most part, their argument is that it's "distracting", that it just isn't right, or that it's annoying because hippies. However, there are some complex, valid arguments against it, but mostly directed to the WAY most artists apply it rather than the art form itself.
Here are three of the most cogent arguments I've seen against yarn bombing:
http://blog.vandalog.com/2012/11/yarn-bombing-you-cant-sit-with-us/
http://ohwhatatragiccost.tumblr.com/post/26147440026/laceninja-asked-me-why-i-hate-yarn-bombing
http://ourcatastrophe.tumblr.com/post/26355953451/hello-there-i-saw-your-reply-on-yarn-bombing-and
I would argue that there's a difference between "yarn tagging" and "yarn bombing".
Mostly, though, people seem angry at it for political reasons. It's a way for middle-class white people to feel subversive. It's cute and fun. I don't mind it at all, honestly.
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:05:58 PM
Here are three of the most cogent arguments I've seen against yarn bombing:
http://blog.vandalog.com/2012/11/yarn-bombing-you-cant-sit-with-us/
http://ohwhatatragiccost.tumblr.com/post/26147440026/laceninja-asked-me-why-i-hate-yarn-bombing
http://ourcatastrophe.tumblr.com/post/26355953451/hello-there-i-saw-your-reply-on-yarn-bombing-and
Those links are really interesting. It didn't even occur to me that people would have a reaction other than 'oh cool. neat!'
I get the frustration about how it is seen as more legitimate or 'safe' than other forms of street art but I really can't get behind the rich white art student gentrification angle. Not that middle class art students aren't probably behind a lot of it but I think its odd that the bloggers are projecting the need to feel 'subversive' on yarn bombers. Is it so hard to imagine that someone did it because they thought it would be fun and neat?
It seems ironic that one of those posts calls them hipsters for doing an art form they deem not 'cool or edgy' enough.
Quote from: McGrupp on September 11, 2013, 06:27:12 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:05:58 PM
Here are three of the most cogent arguments I've seen against yarn bombing:
http://blog.vandalog.com/2012/11/yarn-bombing-you-cant-sit-with-us/
http://ohwhatatragiccost.tumblr.com/post/26147440026/laceninja-asked-me-why-i-hate-yarn-bombing
http://ourcatastrophe.tumblr.com/post/26355953451/hello-there-i-saw-your-reply-on-yarn-bombing-and
Those links are really interesting. It didn't even occur to me that people would have a reaction other than 'oh cool. neat!'
I get the frustration about how it is seen as more legitimate or 'safe' than other forms of street art but I really can't get behind the rich white art student gentrification angle. Not that middle class art students aren't probably behind a lot of it but I think its odd that the bloggers are projecting the need to feel 'subversive' on yarn bombers. Is it so hard to imagine that someone did it because they thought it would be fun and neat?
It seems ironic that one of those posts calls them hipsters for doing an art form they deem not 'cool or edgy' enough.
Yep, totally.
However, in my experience the majority of yarn taggers ARE well-off white women who think of themselves as activists or subversives. Two of our local groups are called "Yarn Knot Bombs" and something something about yarn anarchy.
It's silly, but you know? Fuck it. Silly is OK and they aren't hurting anybody.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/05/us-yarn-bombers-idUSTRE71427O20110205
QuoteAnonymity remains a hallmark of the yarn-bomber. One known locally as Slip Yum Yum, who recently moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Portland, would only contact Reuters via email through an anonymous third-party associate.
"We work hard to keep a low profile and only communicate digitally," said the go-between, who in turn would only self-identify as "Knit 1."
One reason for all the secrecy is to avoid any potential brush with the law. But so far the authorities in Portland hardly seem to be in the verge of a crackdown.
Kelli Sheffer, a Portland Police Bureau spokeswoman, said yarn bombing could be considered littering, but added: "If folks think putting a scarf on a statue is risky behavior, then we're glad they get a sense of doing something daring without being more destructive."
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:54:08 PM
However, in my experience the majority of yarn taggers ARE well-off white women who think of themselves as activists or subversives. Two of our local groups are called "Yarn Knot Bombs" and something something about yarn anarchy.
yeah, I'm with you, I don't think the taggers race/class is relevant
public spaces are for the public
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 07:01:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:54:08 PM
However, in my experience the majority of yarn taggers ARE well-off white women who think of themselves as activists or subversives. Two of our local groups are called "Yarn Knot Bombs" and something something about yarn anarchy.
yeah, I'm with you, I don't think the taggers race/class is relevant
public spaces are for the public
I think the critics in the links Nigel posted have a good point: /which/ public?
can you elaborate?
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 07:01:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:54:08 PM
However, in my experience the majority of yarn taggers ARE well-off white women who think of themselves as activists or subversives. Two of our local groups are called "Yarn Knot Bombs" and something something about yarn anarchy.
yeah, I'm with you, I don't think the taggers race/class is relevant
public spaces are for the public
The thing is, race/class/gentrification issues are complex, and simple statements like that don't tend to map to the real landscape very well.
The tank. :lulz:
I LOVE THIS SHIT.
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:56:38 PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/05/us-yarn-bombers-idUSTRE71427O20110205
QuoteAnonymity remains a hallmark of the yarn-bomber. One known locally as Slip Yum Yum, who recently moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Portland, would only contact Reuters via email through an anonymous third-party associate.
"We work hard to keep a low profile and only communicate digitally," said the go-between, who in turn would only self-identify as "Knit 1."
One reason for all the secrecy is to avoid any potential brush with the law. But so far the authorities in Portland hardly seem to be in the verge of a crackdown.
Kelli Sheffer, a Portland Police Bureau spokeswoman, said yarn bombing could be considered littering, but added: "If folks think putting a scarf on a statue is risky behavior, then we're glad they get a sense of doing something daring without being more destructive."
It's fucking ART, and ART NEEDS NO EXCUSES OR PERMISSION.
I find Sheffer's wording to be a little odd. "
more destructive"?
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 07:49:04 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 07:01:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:54:08 PM
However, in my experience the majority of yarn taggers ARE well-off white women who think of themselves as activists or subversives. Two of our local groups are called "Yarn Knot Bombs" and something something about yarn anarchy.
yeah, I'm with you, I don't think the taggers race/class is relevant
public spaces are for the public
The thing is, race/class/gentrification issues are complex, and simple statements like that don't tend to map to the real landscape very well.
I'm still confused, sorry.
I think everybody should be allowed to beautify the space they live in. (even for subjective definitions of "beautify") If I see some pretty yarn breaking up a homogenous row of parking meters, the race/class of the person who created it is invisible to me anyway.
Just wondering, do you think project postergasm is problematic too? I've always hoped that it empowers people to add some humor to their environments and challenges the predominance of advertising. I'd find it very troubling if that form of expression is intensifying race/class tension; I'm trying to understand how stuff like yarn bombing and culture jamming can get tripped up on that stuff.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 07:51:17 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:56:38 PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/05/us-yarn-bombers-idUSTRE71427O20110205
QuoteAnonymity remains a hallmark of the yarn-bomber. One known locally as Slip Yum Yum, who recently moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Portland, would only contact Reuters via email through an anonymous third-party associate.
"We work hard to keep a low profile and only communicate digitally," said the go-between, who in turn would only self-identify as "Knit 1."
One reason for all the secrecy is to avoid any potential brush with the law. But so far the authorities in Portland hardly seem to be in the verge of a crackdown.
Kelli Sheffer, a Portland Police Bureau spokeswoman, said yarn bombing could be considered littering, but added: "If folks think putting a scarf on a statue is risky behavior, then we're glad they get a sense of doing something daring without being more destructive."
It's fucking ART, and ART NEEDS NO EXCUSES OR PERMISSION.
I find Sheffer's wording to be a little odd. "more destructive"?
It is minimally destructive, in that it is easy enough to clean up when it gets old and gross.
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 08:01:54 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 07:49:04 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 07:01:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:54:08 PM
However, in my experience the majority of yarn taggers ARE well-off white women who think of themselves as activists or subversives. Two of our local groups are called "Yarn Knot Bombs" and something something about yarn anarchy.
yeah, I'm with you, I don't think the taggers race/class is relevant
public spaces are for the public
The thing is, race/class/gentrification issues are complex, and simple statements like that don't tend to map to the real landscape very well.
I'm still confused, sorry.
I think everybody should be allowed to beautify the space they live in. (even for subjective definitions of "beautify") If I see some pretty yarn breaking up a homogenous row of parking meters, the race/class of the person who created it is invisible to me anyway.
Just wondering, do you think project postergasm is problematic too? I've always hoped that it empowers people to add some humor to their environments and challenges the predominance of advertising. I'd find it very troubling if that form of expression is intensifying race/class tension; I'm trying to understand how stuff like yarn bombing and culture jamming can get tripped up on that stuff.
I think you are misunderstanding me. I don't have a problem with yarn bombing, I think it's fun and cute. I just can see validity in the perspectives of a few of the people who do have issues with it. The tensions surrounding gentrification is one of those valid issues where there are questions.
I'm just trying to understand what the issues are, because the arguments in the links weren't entirely clear to me.
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 08:04:52 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 07:51:17 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:56:38 PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/05/us-yarn-bombers-idUSTRE71427O20110205
QuoteAnonymity remains a hallmark of the yarn-bomber. One known locally as Slip Yum Yum, who recently moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Portland, would only contact Reuters via email through an anonymous third-party associate.
"We work hard to keep a low profile and only communicate digitally," said the go-between, who in turn would only self-identify as "Knit 1."
One reason for all the secrecy is to avoid any potential brush with the law. But so far the authorities in Portland hardly seem to be in the verge of a crackdown.
Kelli Sheffer, a Portland Police Bureau spokeswoman, said yarn bombing could be considered littering, but added: "If folks think putting a scarf on a statue is risky behavior, then we're glad they get a sense of doing something daring without being more destructive."
It's fucking ART, and ART NEEDS NO EXCUSES OR PERMISSION.
I find Sheffer's wording to be a little odd. "more destructive"?
It is minimally destructive, in that it is easy enough to clean up when it gets old and gross.
I suppose that's true. BUT STILL. I love this shit, and I support it unconditionally...Because more people need to LOSE THEIR SHIT, and this method of doing so doesn't get anyone hurt.
Bad Times tend to generate Great Art, mostly because peoples' safety valves are all lashed down with bailing wire. And when that art starts spontaneously appearing, or being orchestrated by some HILARIOUS "secret society", I feel like I am getting just a little glimpse of the way the world was SUPPOSED TO BE. Only minus the giant lizards and shit (you can't have EVERYTHING).
I don't think postergasm has those same issues at all. The reason yarnbombing does is because it is embraced by a very particular demographic which happens to also sometimes conflict with a particular other demographic. Under specific circumstances, such as in the case of a recently gentrified urban neighborhood that was majority black prior to gentrification, I can very easily see why yarnbombing could be seen as emblematic of displacement and disenfranchisement to people feeling newly alienated in their own neighborhood, as one of the interesting problems with mostly-white gentrification of poorer black neighborhoods is that normally, the black residents are very visibly excluded from the new changes; all the decisions are made by white people with money, employees in the new businesses are mostly white, and so on.
Postergasm has no similar baggage.
A side note: Some businesses, like our local upscale grocery store New Seasons, have very deliberately and consciously made efforts to strike back against this trend by actively involving neighborhood residents and recruiting for employees within a neighborhood they are locating in. Specifically, hiring young black male employees in highly visible customer service positions, which you NEVER see them in here. It may be contrived but it helps a lot.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 08:09:31 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 08:04:52 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 07:51:17 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 06:56:38 PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/05/us-yarn-bombers-idUSTRE71427O20110205
QuoteAnonymity remains a hallmark of the yarn-bomber. One known locally as Slip Yum Yum, who recently moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Portland, would only contact Reuters via email through an anonymous third-party associate.
"We work hard to keep a low profile and only communicate digitally," said the go-between, who in turn would only self-identify as "Knit 1."
One reason for all the secrecy is to avoid any potential brush with the law. But so far the authorities in Portland hardly seem to be in the verge of a crackdown.
Kelli Sheffer, a Portland Police Bureau spokeswoman, said yarn bombing could be considered littering, but added: "If folks think putting a scarf on a statue is risky behavior, then we're glad they get a sense of doing something daring without being more destructive."
It's fucking ART, and ART NEEDS NO EXCUSES OR PERMISSION.
I find Sheffer's wording to be a little odd. "more destructive"?
It is minimally destructive, in that it is easy enough to clean up when it gets old and gross.
I suppose that's true. BUT STILL. I love this shit, and I support it unconditionally...Because more people need to LOSE THEIR SHIT, and this method of doing so doesn't get anyone hurt.
Bad Times tend to generate Great Art, mostly because peoples' safety valves are all lashed down with bailing wire. And when that art starts spontaneously appearing, or being orchestrated by some HILARIOUS "secret society", I feel like I am getting just a little glimpse of the way the world was SUPPOSED TO BE. Only minus the giant lizards and shit (you can't have EVERYTHING).
The thing that I like about it is that if it makes a bored white housewife feel subversive and counterculture, GOOD.
JUST, GOOD. How is it ever bad for someone to rebel against a horrible, oppressive paradigm, even if they are rebelling in a tiny, petty way? Especially someone who is in most ways essentially powerless? Even better if they're rebelling in a cute fuzzy colorful way that irritates Serious People.
got it, that makes much more sense, thank you for clarifying.
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 08:18:57 PM
The thing that I like about it is that if it makes a bored white housewife feel subversive and counterculture, GOOD.
JUST, GOOD. How is it ever bad for someone to rebel against a horrible, oppressive paradigm, even if they are rebelling in a tiny, petty way? Even better if they're rebelling in a cute fuzzy colorful way that irritates Serious People.
That's the AWESOME part! There's no THREAT. But something is happening, and it's being done by persons unknown, so there's a feeling of
unease that can't be hammered into one of the standard template response modes.
So the Serious People getting pissed are almost FORCED to bang around inside their skulls for a while, trying to classify this sort of thing,
whether or not they are inclined to do so.
I essentially agree with the validity of their arguments, but I have counterarguments that are, in my opinion, stronger. Basically, they are right about the concerns they are voicing, but I think that overall we are still looking at subversive acts done primarily - almost exclusively, in fact - by a demographic that is also largely powerless and voiceless; a demographic who, if their husbands left them, would fare very poorly. They have privilege, but it is largely a privilege conferred upon them by the status of their husbands. So I embrace yarnbombing with all of these issues in mind, including those which cause some people to reject it.
A tiny, petty act of rebellion is still rebellion.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 08:21:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 08:18:57 PM
The thing that I like about it is that if it makes a bored white housewife feel subversive and counterculture, GOOD.
JUST, GOOD. How is it ever bad for someone to rebel against a horrible, oppressive paradigm, even if they are rebelling in a tiny, petty way? Even better if they're rebelling in a cute fuzzy colorful way that irritates Serious People.
That's the AWESOME part! There's no THREAT. But something is happening, and it's being done by persons unknown, so there's a feeling of unease that can't be hammered into one of the standard template response modes.
So the Serious People getting pissed are almost FORCED to bang around inside their skulls for a while, trying to classify this sort of thing, whether or not they are inclined to do so.
This is true. It's that thing again, about the reason I like confusing people... it makes them
think, even if just for a minute.
Also:
Art > Rioting.
Something's got to give. It's not happening the way I expected, and that's my FAVORITE PART. I have been SURPRISED, and that, let me tell you, is the most refreshing thing I can remember happening in more than a decade.
This has completely made my fucking week.
Seriously. No sleep in forever, I was getting kind of run down and depressed, and now I feel happy.
Yeah, I love yarn bombing. The bull for instance, went up over night. It was all cut off pretty much the next day but everyone who saw it got a kick.
And yeah, as Nigel confirmed, the pieces are made before-hand and then they are put into place and closed with a seam. Crochet seams take only a few seconds for simple pieces and minutes for longer or more complex so it's very easy to make the parts, put them in place, secure them on, and run away giggling like a loon before anyone notices.
Red Heart is pretty indestructible, it looks fine for months. Wool and cotton, though, get matted and nasty super quick.
Some yarn-bombers leave little tags like "pull here!" so the seams can be undone and the piece doesn't have to be cut off. That way the yarn can be reused after a quick wash, if the opportunity arises.
It is pretty awesome and nothing is damaged or permanently altered. It's just a quick way to brighten things up and get a giggle.
I think it hits all the sweet spots for a classic O:M.
A true "WTF" moment, not reliant on anything but its own oddness.
Here are some of my favorite yarn-bombing images.
(http://www.oberholtzer-creative.com/visualculture/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/yarn_bombing1.jpg)
(http://api.ning.com/files/Vy6hm*HjJagl9pmnD8-59Lgnhhjc2F*gdbqlhr2PIMnuBUZ45f-HLrmVPWtplJMcDhuyvZnOgFHcRvE8y*Gb8S-93zPHcy26/MagdaSayeg1.jpg)
This whole thing : http://www.demilked.com/yarn-bombing/
Those stairs are wonderful.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 08:28:30 PM
Also:
Art > Rioting.
Something's got to give. It's not happening the way I expected, and that's my FAVORITE PART. I have been SURPRISED, and that, let me tell you, is the most refreshing thing I can remember happening in more than a decade.
This has completely made my fucking week.
I kind of anticipate people just FREAKING OUT and putting art EVERYWHERE.
ART PANIC!
My favorite bridge was yarnbombed this year for its 100th birthday:
http://www.koin.com/2013/07/21/29520-autosave/
(http://3eb719iiwsg2zvm0i2ib5oy1a0p.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2013/07/7-21-13-broadway-bridge-yarn.jpg)
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 07:11:45 PM
can you elaborate?
I was away at a seminar, but basically: Public art is for reclaiming public space, but who is the reclamation for? In some cases, public art installations can cause gentrification, pushing poor people out of their neighborhoods. In that case, the reclamation is for the "invaders", not the people living there.
Here's a video of the bull getting yarn bombed. It might help provide a clear-er picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0HhNvDFRQ
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 08:26:24 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 08:21:22 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 08:18:57 PM
The thing that I like about it is that if it makes a bored white housewife feel subversive and counterculture, GOOD.
JUST, GOOD. How is it ever bad for someone to rebel against a horrible, oppressive paradigm, even if they are rebelling in a tiny, petty way? Even better if they're rebelling in a cute fuzzy colorful way that irritates Serious People.
That's the AWESOME part! There's no THREAT. But something is happening, and it's being done by persons unknown, so there's a feeling of unease that can't be hammered into one of the standard template response modes.
So the Serious People getting pissed are almost FORCED to bang around inside their skulls for a while, trying to classify this sort of thing, whether or not they are inclined to do so.
This is true. It's that thing again, about the reason I like confusing people... it makes them think, even if just for a minute.
I love you.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 08:28:30 PM
Also:
Art > Rioting.
Something's got to give. It's not happening the way I expected, and that's my FAVORITE PART. I have been SURPRISED, and that, let me tell you, is the most refreshing thing I can remember happening in more than a decade.
This has completely made my fucking week.
I love you too.
Quote from: Kai on September 11, 2013, 09:03:03 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 07:11:45 PM
can you elaborate?
I was away at a seminar, but basically: Public art is for reclaiming public space, but who is the reclamation for? In some cases, public art installations can cause gentrification, pushing poor people out of their neighborhoods. In that case, the reclamation is for the "invaders", not the people living there.
And I love you.
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:09:25 PM
Here's a video of the bull getting yarn bombed. It might help provide a clear-er picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0HhNvDFRQ
Artists like OLEK are a whole different category from the yarn-taggers; that is, completely and undeniably, Real Art.
The tank cozy is STILL cracking me up. :lulz:
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 09:43:57 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:09:25 PM
Here's a video of the bull getting yarn bombed. It might help provide a clear-er picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0HhNvDFRQ
Artists like OLEK are a whole different category from the yarn-taggers; that is, completely and undeniably, Real Art.
Yeah, but the same methods are used. Just different applications.
Quote from: Kai on September 11, 2013, 09:03:03 PM
In some cases, public art installations can cause gentrification, pushing poor people out of their neighborhoods. In that case, the reclamation is for the "invaders", not the people living there.
I can see the analogy between public art and territorial markers
but I wouldn't say art
causes gentrification, or that yarn bombing might actually push people out of a neighborhood
That line of criticism seems like an attack on
any public art which wasn't created by the locals. I can understand the resentment at that, it would be alienating to have some art you don't resonate with dominating your neighborhood. However, I do think it's pointing at a symptom of a problem rather than the cause of it. I don't think the issues surrounding gentrification can be resolved by limiting the self-expression of the "invading" group. And if those sorts of prohibitions were in place, it would also likely limit marginalized groups trying to fight their way into the neighborhood.
just my two cents
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 09:44:44 PM
The tank cozy is STILL cracking me up. :lulz:
Oh yes. And there are other such fun things.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eb_DY-nLo0c/UTYbh_Up_aI/AAAAAAAAliY/BsGV6-emvLI/w500/Dresden-Neustadt%252C%2BMilita%25CC%2588rhistorisches%2BMuseum%2Bby%2Bartist%2BLouisen%2BKobi%2BNaht.jpg)
(http://www.yarnoverpullthrough.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/yarnbombing.jpg)
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:53:40 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 09:43:57 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:09:25 PM
Here's a video of the bull getting yarn bombed. It might help provide a clear-er picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0HhNvDFRQ
Artists like OLEK are a whole different category from the yarn-taggers; that is, completely and undeniably, Real Art.
Yeah, but the same methods are used. Just different applications.
There isn't a distinctive cut-off between them, just as there isn't a distinctive cut-off between tagging and graffiti art. But while this:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuNoSWsjpBI/TkiN4PFA57I/AAAAAAAAI3g/WlnKbbC6MdQ/s640/photo-760151.JPG)
...is at one end of the spectrum, OLEK and work like this:
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/a2/c0/ea/a2c0ea64e15dc6c2352fc30a4fad7e44.jpg)
...is undeniably at the other end.
What I find funny is one type of artist sneering at the art of another type of artist. Takes all kinds.
What I find EVEN FUNNIER is that I loathe taggers (which I am defining at the moment as the guys who run around putting squiggly lines of spraypaint on shit), and don't consider THEM artists.
Mostly because of what the little bastards did to the 60s/70s giant murals in the legal district.
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 10:18:56 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:53:40 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 09:43:57 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:09:25 PM
Here's a video of the bull getting yarn bombed. It might help provide a clear-er picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0HhNvDFRQ
Artists like OLEK are a whole different category from the yarn-taggers; that is, completely and undeniably, Real Art.
Yeah, but the same methods are used. Just different applications.
There isn't a distinctive cut-off between them, just as there isn't a distinctive cut-off between tagging and graffiti art. But while this:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuNoSWsjpBI/TkiN4PFA57I/AAAAAAAAI3g/WlnKbbC6MdQ/s640/photo-760151.JPG)
...is at one end of the spectrum, OLEK and work like this:
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/a2/c0/ea/a2c0ea64e15dc6c2352fc30a4fad7e44.jpg)
...is undeniably at the other end.
True. Olek's video just showed the joining method and positioning up close. I thought it would help give a more solid idea of how it goes together.
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 10:21:25 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 10:18:56 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:53:40 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 09:43:57 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:09:25 PM
Here's a video of the bull getting yarn bombed. It might help provide a clear-er picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0HhNvDFRQ
Artists like OLEK are a whole different category from the yarn-taggers; that is, completely and undeniably, Real Art.
Yeah, but the same methods are used. Just different applications.
There isn't a distinctive cut-off between them, just as there isn't a distinctive cut-off between tagging and graffiti art. But while this:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuNoSWsjpBI/TkiN4PFA57I/AAAAAAAAI3g/WlnKbbC6MdQ/s640/photo-760151.JPG)
...is at one end of the spectrum, OLEK and work like this:
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/a2/c0/ea/a2c0ea64e15dc6c2352fc30a4fad7e44.jpg)
...is undeniably at the other end.
True. Olek's video just showed the joining method and positioning up close. I thought it would help give a more solid idea of how it goes together.
I wasn't addressing that at all, just discussing the perception of art value that yarnbombing may have.
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:58:15 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 09:44:44 PM
The tank cozy is STILL cracking me up. :lulz:
Oh yes. And there are other such fun things.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eb_DY-nLo0c/UTYbh_Up_aI/AAAAAAAAliY/BsGV6-emvLI/w500/Dresden-Neustadt%252C%2BMilita%25CC%2588rhistorisches%2BMuseum%2Bby%2Bartist%2BLouisen%2BKobi%2BNaht.jpg)
(http://www.yarnoverpullthrough.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/yarnbombing.jpg)
Sheer brilliance
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 10:52:36 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 10:21:25 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 10:18:56 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:53:40 PM
Quote from: What The Fox Say on September 11, 2013, 09:43:57 PM
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:09:25 PM
Here's a video of the bull getting yarn bombed. It might help provide a clear-er picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0HhNvDFRQ
Artists like OLEK are a whole different category from the yarn-taggers; that is, completely and undeniably, Real Art.
Yeah, but the same methods are used. Just different applications.
There isn't a distinctive cut-off between them, just as there isn't a distinctive cut-off between tagging and graffiti art. But while this:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuNoSWsjpBI/TkiN4PFA57I/AAAAAAAAI3g/WlnKbbC6MdQ/s640/photo-760151.JPG)
...is at one end of the spectrum, OLEK and work like this:
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/a2/c0/ea/a2c0ea64e15dc6c2352fc30a4fad7e44.jpg)
...is undeniably at the other end.
True. Olek's video just showed the joining method and positioning up close. I thought it would help give a more solid idea of how it goes together.
I wasn't addressing that at all, just discussing the perception of art value that yarnbombing may have.
Gotcha. Sorry.
I'm interested in how the knitting / crochet schism is affected by yarn bombing. Most of it is crochet done with crap yarn. The purist knitters are up to their tits in shock and dismay while simultaneously wanting to participate. Purist crocheters think yarn bombers make the rest of crocheters look bad and waste yarn, even if it is crap yarn. :P It's kind of funny to watch the discussions.
But yeah, it has birthed some very interesting expressions of art. And a few yarn bombers went on to get some pretty big contracts art galleries and the like.
Then there's this sorta thing : http://regresodelhipocampo.blogspot.com/2013/02/crochet-art.html
By the above link, I meant this sort of thing in particular :
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TDAnGsdjifE/UR4YIJOASyI/AAAAAAAAGwo/vF3Jfqw2uJk/s640/271932,xcitefun-three-dimensional-crochet-objects-art-3.jpg)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK2wBSPT3CQ/UR4YWExkZtI/AAAAAAAAG08/K60MtaF4eTM/s640/lamp_1.jpg)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGmOCGUO_j0/UR4YVdukn_I/AAAAAAAAG0g/iz-P_zdDz1Y/s640/joana-vasconcelos-guards.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atKdxY0GfMs/UR4YP9vOvoI/AAAAAAAAGyw/0eRHLYymdCs/s640/crochet+cover.jpg)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlxPiZuJyOo/UR4YR8sJOSI/AAAAAAAAGzc/Q1n7kvzdokc/s400/crochet_doily_art_car.jpeg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ue-NYJ-wJs/UR4YI9GoOFI/AAAAAAAAGw4/hezklH471sM/s640/271934,xcitefun-three-dimensional-crochet-objects-art-1.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqEZ1ENaN2Q/UR4YVfhZfTI/AAAAAAAAG0o/b0d7pYIzHAY/s640/joana-vasconcelos-red-bull1.jpg)
These items are mostly done using filet and lace methods, and I think that's crochet cotton so these items, if left outside and untreated, are far more ephemeral. Definitely more to the art side of things as this type of work requires more skill and more time than your basic double-crochet parking meter sleeve, so I see what you're saying.
That piano is incredible!
This stuff is fantastic!
Burns gets out his loom and wizard beanie.
WHERE DO I SIGN UP!
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on September 11, 2013, 10:21:16 PM
What I find funny is one type of artist sneering at the art of another type of artist. Takes all kinds.
I especially like the vandalog criticism which reads to me as "there's a hierarchy of risk and yarn bombing is insufficiently dangerous, also I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE MESSAGE BEING SENT".
Making a scarf for a park bench and having it cause SRS ARTISTS to get bent out of shape SEEMS artistic to me.
"Here is the bad art: <pictures of trees in patterned outfits>
Here is the good art: <hot pink tennis net>"
What is your point?
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 11, 2013, 09:09:25 PM
Here's a video of the bull getting yarn bombed. It might help provide a clear-er picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT0HhNvDFRQ
That's a really cool video. That must have taken a lot of planning to make all the pieces fit.
I think I kinda get how this can rub people the wrong way, but I also think it's as versatile as any other art form. Also a person livening up their own neighborhood and haunts is probably different than someone going to a place they deem 'decrepit' and adding their stuff to it. But I still think its all pretty cool. It can be silly. It can make a statement. It can jar people. It can make my walk to the bus stop a little brighter.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2h7i22u.jpg)
This rabbit is from Italy and is so large that it's bellybutton is a person. Not technically a yarn bomb but still neat.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/15f166q.jpg)
The logistics involved in the rabbit are quite impressive really.
I wonder what it's stuffed with.
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 09:57:23 PM
Quote from: Kai on September 11, 2013, 09:03:03 PM
In some cases, public art installations can cause gentrification, pushing poor people out of their neighborhoods. In that case, the reclamation is for the "invaders", not the people living there.
I can see the analogy between public art and territorial markers
but I wouldn't say art causes gentrification, or that yarn bombing might actually push people out of a neighborhood
That line of criticism seems like an attack on any public art which wasn't created by the locals. I can understand the resentment at that, it would be alienating to have some art you don't resonate with dominating your neighborhood. However, I do think it's pointing at a symptom of a problem rather than the cause of it. I don't think the issues surrounding gentrification can be resolved by limiting the self-expression of the "invading" group. And if those sorts of prohibitions were in place, it would also likely limit marginalized groups trying to fight their way into the neighborhood.
just my two cents
it's a symptom of the gentrification that can make the previous inhabitants feel alienated and more angry.
I like the idea of "reclaiming the traditionally feminine crafts" in a subversive manner. Subversive cross-stitch is totally a thing. Dame Judi Dench likes to embroider "FUCK" on pretty flowery cushions.
Quote from: Cardinal Pizza Deliverance. on September 12, 2013, 11:45:36 PM
I wonder what it's stuffed with.
I kind of want to shove scaffold support through it to see if it will stand upright.
Quote from: Pixie on September 13, 2013, 12:08:31 PM
Quote from: Cramulus on September 11, 2013, 09:57:23 PM
Quote from: Kai on September 11, 2013, 09:03:03 PM
In some cases, public art installations can cause gentrification, pushing poor people out of their neighborhoods. In that case, the reclamation is for the "invaders", not the people living there.
I can see the analogy between public art and territorial markers
but I wouldn't say art causes gentrification, or that yarn bombing might actually push people out of a neighborhood
That line of criticism seems like an attack on any public art which wasn't created by the locals. I can understand the resentment at that, it would be alienating to have some art you don't resonate with dominating your neighborhood. However, I do think it's pointing at a symptom of a problem rather than the cause of it. I don't think the issues surrounding gentrification can be resolved by limiting the self-expression of the "invading" group. And if those sorts of prohibitions were in place, it would also likely limit marginalized groups trying to fight their way into the neighborhood.
just my two cents
it's a symptom of the gentrification that can make the previous inhabitants feel alienated and more angry.
I like the idea of "reclaiming the traditionally feminine crafts" in a subversive manner. Subversive cross-stitch is totally a thing. Dame Judi Dench likes to embroider "FUCK" on pretty flowery cushions.
It would seem to make more sense to do these things in business districts and focus on specific targets anyway. Possibly have a specific message to send.
Although is it still gentrification if the yarn bomber
is a previous resident? I guess I'm not sure how one would automatically take the thought track: Yarnbomb>Not one of our own>gentrification.
Or what if the yarn bomb specifically pointed out the issue of gentrification in the area through a particular message?
I'm not trying to split hairs, but given my recent interest in crochet and such I'd like to do this in some way but I don't want to ruffle the wrong feathers. That plus the social dynamic of this is very interesting because, honestly, I'd never consider gentrification in a million years so that rather surprises me to hear.
Quote from: Bu☆ns on September 13, 2013, 02:19:01 PM
Or what if the yarn bomb specifically pointed out the issue of gentrification in the area through a particular message?
I'm not trying to split hairs, but given my recent interest in crochet and such I'd like to do this in some way but I don't want to ruffle the wrong feathers. That plus the social dynamic of this is very interesting because, honestly, I'd never consider gentrification in a million years so that rather surprises me to hear.
using it to highlight gentrification would be awesome.
A local charity did some yarn bombing in Southampton, with messages attached for a homeless shelter. after a few days the artists came back, took down the installations and made them into blankets for the charity
Quote from: Pixie on September 13, 2013, 02:54:53 PM
Quote from: Bu☆ns on September 13, 2013, 02:19:01 PM
Or what if the yarn bomb specifically pointed out the issue of gentrification in the area through a particular message?
I'm not trying to split hairs, but given my recent interest in crochet and such I'd like to do this in some way but I don't want to ruffle the wrong feathers. That plus the social dynamic of this is very interesting because, honestly, I'd never consider gentrification in a million years so that rather surprises me to hear.
using it to highlight gentrification would be awesome.
A local charity did some yarn bombing in Southampton, with messages attached for a homeless shelter. after a few days the artists came back, took down the installations and made them into blankets for the charity
Now
that's really awesome.
Quote from: Bu☆ns on September 13, 2013, 03:00:22 PM
Quote from: Pixie on September 13, 2013, 02:54:53 PM
Quote from: Bu☆ns on September 13, 2013, 02:19:01 PM
Or what if the yarn bomb specifically pointed out the issue of gentrification in the area through a particular message?
I'm not trying to split hairs, but given my recent interest in crochet and such I'd like to do this in some way but I don't want to ruffle the wrong feathers. That plus the social dynamic of this is very interesting because, honestly, I'd never consider gentrification in a million years so that rather surprises me to hear.
using it to highlight gentrification would be awesome.
A local charity did some yarn bombing in Southampton, with messages attached for a homeless shelter. after a few days the artists came back, took down the installations and made them into blankets for the charity
Now that's really awesome.
Dude, kick-ass. Super awesome use of yarn.