I ART CAPE TOWN - art transforming a community

I guess it would be fair to say that I look quite critically at the art form known as graffiti or street art.  A lot of the time I see no point to it and its destructive nature.  But then you have someone like Banksy come along who just transformed the global public's view on street art by using it to challenge social norms and stereotypes often making a very bold statement about a subject avoided by most politicians and news channels.  I guess I still see the riff raff nonsense stuff like tagging as completely pointless and often times an act that in itself defeats what it sets out to do by causing government budgets to be wasted on cleaning, repairing and replacing damaged property instead of that funding being made available for things like community development and AIDS relief.  I know I am opening myself up big time by making out like I have some understanding of it all which I probably don't, but what I do have is an opinion.

And then something special comes along.  A moment when skilled individuals decide to use their abilities to transform, renew, uplift, inspire and unite.  Street art once again revolutionizing views, communities and mindsets.  With a bit of responsibility and a realization that with this ability comes a power that can be used for such good rather than the "pointless"destruction it's so well known for.

I came across the posting below which was on my facebook feed, posted by the incredible artist known as Senyol (this guy is a genius).  The video is inspiring and it shows just how much good a bit of art can do.  Please, go ahead and give it a watch.