Layer By Layer: The Graffiti Archaeology Project

John Nack writes:

The Graffiti Archaelogy project uses a Flash interface to let visitors navigate to different heavily tagged spots (links at left), then see the work at various stages (links at bottom). Using the M & N keys to cruise back and forth in time, I'm reminded of watching time lapses of plant life exploding on a surface, dying, and being reborn. [Via|Link]

The Intricate Makeshift Signs of Mr. Sato

"If, over the past several years, you have had the privilege of joining the 3.3 million people that pass through Tokyo's Shinjuku station each day, you may have observed the work of Mr. Sato. A construction worker by trade, Sato uses strips of adhesive tape to create elaborate makeshift signs that help people navigate the temporary chaos of ongoing renovation work at Shinjuku station. Sato's signs, which feature a peculiarly attractive gothic font, are the focus of a 15-minute documentary video put together by TrioFour, a small group of independent filmmakers. The video, which can be seen in two parts here (part 1, part 2), consists mainly of a long interview with Sato, entirely in Japanese (no subtitles), but it also shows lots of photos of his work from 2004."

Via pink tentacle, with more at the link.

Banksy Profile and Interview

Now online at the New Yorker. This stuff doesn't stay available forever, so go read it.

I have mixed feelings about the lack of originality in a lot of Banksy's art. But his persona and story are pure gold, and I have no problem with the lines he walks - financial success|rebellion, celebrity|anonymity. Favorite quote:

“I originally set out to try and save the world, but now I’m not sure I like it enough.”

The only truly deflating ending to this story (and it will end someday) would be if it turned out that Steve Lazarides, his agent/gallerist/spokesperson, really turned out to be him.

Sao Paolo, Post-Billboards

IMG_6515
Originally uploaded by Tony de Marco.

I wrote last year about Sao Paolo's ban on billboard advertising, which sounds like heaven to me. Here's an image set Flickr user Tony de Marco uploaded to Flickr that shows some images of the city after the ban took effect.