rss feedSUPER CITY CENSORSHIP
On top of an insane workload as of late I have been dealing with a crazy incident of Council Censorship – An event that has just snowballed beyond my expectations, becoming far more political than I would have ever thought possible. My phone has been ringing nonstop, twitter going crazy, lots of media interest – some great, most pretty misguided. So I decided it was time to write a post about the experience and my thoughts about this whole insane situation.
Firstly, the incidents as they happened:
Last Monday Component from Cut Collective turned up at my studio to tell me about the contractors painting out a mural site I have painted and maintained since 2001. I left my studio immediately and drove up to the wall to speak with the contractors, just to grasp how this had come to be. They were nice polite guys, both a little shocked that they were ordered to remove this mural and had actually thought it must be a mistake. I was told that it was due to a complaint from the owner as apparently the wall was illegally done. They said Tony Capton had made the call and it had maybe come from higher up. I was shocked to hear this, I new it was likely a mistake as although I wasn’t certain at the time whether the tenant I got permission from was the landlord or not – I was curious to investigate and find out conclusively.
I approached the KBA amongst other people in hope they could find answers quickly and learned that neither the tenant or landlord was that thrilled about the wall being painted grey – as well as neighbouring business owners and people in the community. In frustration I called upon Len Brown via twitter to give an explanation. After many other people joined in and demanded answers Len Brown replied and eventually made an apology. He informed me that his council officers would be making contact and sorting out a solution. I was happy with this outcome, it seemed like an unlikely victory and I was optimistic about working together with the council to put a new work up on the wall.
Barbara From the KBA was approached and ended up in a discussion with Council on my behalf about fixing the situation. Rob Shields, the council graffiti prevention officer somehow became involved and had prior to the meeting taken steps to contact the landlords – convincing them that he should ‘Project manage’ the creation of a replacement mural. Barbara could see no other alternative as far as dealing with them at this stage and opted to discontinue her involvement from there.
I was made aware of Rob’s involvement and voiced my disapproval. I have an interesting past with Rob Shields to say the least – to most that should be obvious considering who I am, what I do and who he is. I don’t care to delve into all the details at this stage other than to say that since I refused to be under his thumb about 9 years ago he has made it his mission to sabotage and interfere with a raft of positive projects I have worked on and also employed divide and conquer tactics to tarnish the reputations of myself and others in the graffiti scene. Needless to say – I don’t work with Rob Shields – Principally I have to consider it working with the enemy.
After John Brunton, the current tenant appeared in the Central leader voicing his disapproval of the mural’s removal, I approached him to have a discussion about proceeding with a new mural with no council involvement – a request he put to the landlords on my behalf.
I was phoned today, the 10th of March by John and told that the landlords were working with Rob Shields in selecting artists to paint a suitable mural which the council would pay for as an apology and if I wanted to be considered for the job I needed to submit concept sketches by next week. I was also told that there could be no ‘signatures’ or ‘names’ featured in the new work. Interesting request considering the work I specialise in and am known primarily for right?
So here’s the underlying problem with this whole scenario:
1. Firstly and most importantly – this is a council created problem. That is both initially and in the solution offered. Big pile of unnecessary drama made created by the council. There was no problem in the way it was before, in fact far from it.
2. The council removed this mural illegally.
3. I have painted and maintained this mural site for around a decade, since world renown, German artist Can Two’s first visit in 2001. A friend of mine worked at the bar, and she asked the previous owner who said yes. Whether she got permission from the landlords is not something I can confirm for certain but obviously there was no objection to the work we were ding as we painted murals there consistently for 10 years – often there for several days at a time.
4. The Murals have all been painted from the artists own pockets – never to a specific brief but to always to a high standard. On the odd occasion, the previous tenant gave me a small amount of money and almost always a tray of soft drinks for the troops while we worked on the wall.
5. The site has become iconic for having some of the best graffiti work around the K-Rd area and has been photographed, used as backdrops for film and TV and has over the years featured work from a host of amazing international and local artists.
6. Rob Shields is the graffiti prevention officer – he should not given the opportunity to dictate the content of the new work when he has an obvious prejudice against art of this style and also against the artists themselves.
7. No other artist should be considered in contention for the job painting the replacement mural. This is disrespectful and shows how little understanding of public art the council have. The work that was removed was painted mostly by me and not really with the financial support from nor objection of the landlords it seems strange to gift the landlords a new mural when the only people robbed of anything are myself and the other artists – the landlords have been indifferent to the issue all along so really they likely wouldn’t have made any noise about this hadn’t I and likeminded people in the community brought it to the attention of Len Brown.
8. The ‘no signatures’ angle is very typical of Rob Shields statements in media about stamping out ‘name-based fame’ in public art. It seems hard for me to fathom this decision has not been influenced by him.
9. Council funded murals deemed as ‘acceptable’ by Rob Shields are generally awful in my opinion. Take a look at the atrocious mural work near the New Market station and the putrid historic city-scape at the Boston road station for example. Neither of these paintings could be deemed as current, compelling or particularly well executed for that matter. One of my only dealings with Rob Shields on a mural project he had us paint people mowing lawns. I am not kidding.
10. The last mural was painted over three 12-16 hour days. It was painted during the middle of winter and into the night – sometimes even the early hours of the morning. Around 80 spray cans were used and it was exhaustive and time consuming as we broke a lot of new ground with this painting. For that reason this work was also of sentimental value, although we would have liked to have done an update this year to keep it fresh.
11. The council and Landlords both neglect to understand the merit of my work and the reason this site was well respected was primarily because of it’s integrity. The fact that it was done without any influence outside of what myself and friends wanted to paint was why it was so good. The idea of ‘historical themed murals’ may seem like a way to please a broader group of people but realistically most locals are discerning enough to see through that. This is also not reflective of the people of K-Rd, maybe a conservative neighbourhood. K-Rd is edgy and our local area – we are well known characters and frequent the local cafes and shops. Everyone knows us around there.
12. The idea of the council rewarding other artists for painting a mural they deem as ‘acceptable’ when the only people wronged as far as I can see are the artists and the community is despicable. Especially when I have offered to paint the new mural for free without their involvement. The landlords could remain indifferent, the tenants can be happy with a new work on the side of their premises, I can continue having a platform to do cutting edge pieces with no council influence and the local community can remain happy – problem solved.
There’s a lot more I want to say about this. I’m shocked, pretty mad, disappointed and feel more disillusioned with bureaucracy than ever before. What can I do? It’s been depressing enough seeing the whole city systematically painted grey in preparation for the Rugby World Cup – but it extending to this level is sad. I think the vision for this city is something that extends beyond a right of bureaucrats and politicians – it’s a right we all share. I thank everyone that has been vocal and supportive through this and hope it can be the catalyst of for change and inspiration for us all to make noise when we feel local government lose sight of what’s right for the areas of the city we inhabit.
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Gutting and infuriating all in the same go. Great read, sad topic – time to get angry.
Yup all said well Askew!!
This has got way out of hand !!
We all need to stand up to this issue as much as it is Askews / TMDS / RFC wall so many people enjoy this wall and the work put into this art work that was painted out was intense !
And so it becomes a public issue !
And other crews and artists that fund these walls for free (TIME & PAINT ) are always pushing the styles and vibes of a culture which is stronger than a few employed council workers with very sweet jobs spending out rate funds with no one to answer to as long as they are being seen as cleaning up the Graffiti that makes people feel unsafe ? The goals seem very strange to me they love the concept of zero tolerance . The councils view is ‘Difference between Graffiti & art is permission ‘ ? But this wall had permission !?
So i feel we all need to show our point of view to the office of Len brown and get some real feed back on this issue .
Please email Len Brown and ask him why this was done. It will only take a minute.
Email him on
len.brown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
why is Rob shelids involved ?
It seems that the Len brown office sent this out to people who wrote in .
http://streetarse.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Screen-shot-2011-03-04-at-4.02.20-PM.png
All the locals around the Krd area dont want a lame council ‘historical themed mural’
I also hope this can be a catalyst to other walls around the city to stop the Grey future that the council seem to want us to have . Or a ‘historical themed mural’ making me think maybe i should not have voted for Len brown !
Simple result is that the wall should be painted again by Askew & TMD crew with no council input and the owner / landlord will have the done good for the local Krd peoples and all that come to feel the vibe of Auckland where krd is one of the last good spots to visit .
Does this mean that the council can come on to my private property, without permission, and paint the side of my house, because they don’t like the colour? Then apologize and say that the will organize for it to be repainted. But I can only select from the paint colours that they think are suitable? And my mate who offered to do it for free can’t be used to repaint it, they will select and pay someone they like.
jus registering total support. part of me wants that wall to stay like that, an ugly reminder of bureaucracy gone mad.
hey… so who ordered the buff in the first place? was it Rob (ex pig) Shields?
just hit it after they’ve done it! keep it real.
Shields is a cock. We’ve known that for a few years… might be time to get him some name fame & write “SHIELDS” all over town! now THAT is guerrilla!
“Does this mean that the council can come on to my private property, without permission, and paint the side of my house, because they don’t like the colour? Then apologize and say that the will organize for it to be repainted. But I can only select from the paint colours that they think are suitable? And my mate who offered to do it for free can’t be used to repaint it, they will select and pay someone they like.” – Travis
Word.
I’ve followed this on twitter. What a stupid situation!
Your blog post is clear and compelling. Len Brown is a good bloke, I have confidence if he’ll get the message.
The alt-culture of K Road is very valuable to the character of Auckland as a whole, so I hope this is resolved ASAP in a way that ensure this culture thrives.
Keep your head up killa!
Far out bro I can’t believe after all these years and all your awesome work around the world that they are still treating you like this. I’ve always been against council initiatives cos the always hire idiots who have no idea about our culture (hip hop)
This has just gotten totally out of control. It’s so sad they have the ability to manipulate this for their own gain.
Could they not have simply apologised for their “mistake” and left you alone to repaint the wall. Like you say your not after money from them (although they should pay, maybe they could give the $$ to Chch).
How are we supposed to be encourage to stay in Auckland and foster creative culture when overseas opportunities offer such greater personal reward.
This effects all of us trying to be creative in AK.
Hold tight bro.
I spit on rob shields
I couldn’t believe it when I first saw this in the news.
No admission of responsibility? No sincere apology? And what a pathetic attempt to put it right.
Why is it when other cities and countries all over the world embrace the graffiti culture and try to understand it, it still is being shunned by those in power in New Zealand. Its especially hard to grasp when we have such a strong culture of incredibly talented artists who are generally out to push their own abilities and style, who use graffiti as a form of self expression, when New Zealand artists have created such a name for themselves worldwide.
Hey,
Has anyone started an online petition for this? As far as Auckland goes, the general population gets the individual/non-commercial artistic beauty of graffiti; people will be proud and excited to put their name on a petition that is for such a real purpose.
The thought of Ak city council ‘approving’ anyone who is allowed to paint public art is scary and potentially more boring than watching grass grow.
I don’t know how to do online petitions (as they are the best to get imediate responses, which seems needed quickly for this specific situation) but I hope that a friend or a fan of yours will see this post and will get one going to submit to Len Brown; facing these issues to stop the dark grey bore of our city, especially the K’rd type areas from getting taken over from people so obviously anti what a big majority see as skill, beauty, and art.
I do love love lawnmower men (cause my dad was one) but putting up murals of their activities = boring and weird.
I hope that the injustice you are facing is somehow sorting, or this situation is a starting point of people saying no more.
Good luck!!!
Tessie
‘ I approached him to have a discussion about proceeding with a new mural with no council involvement – a request he put to the landlords on my behalf.’
this is how I would try and handle it, and this seems to come up all the time in Adelaide.
- Organise a meeting with the landlords/owner
. – Bring the weight of your credentials/CV, show them pics of council commissioned murals vs pics of your work.
- Also a good idea is a petition of all local businesses supporting your art.
- If they still choose council to do the job, fuck them.
Its sad seeing this mural buffed..i was shocked when i saw it at first.fucking amazing work.i hope noone will agree to paint the new mural…so that they can enjoy it gray..gray like their life..keep your head up, everyone knows who you are..let the ass#@?.. on his misery.
Greets n Respect.
If the wall was painted illegally [with grey paint] and the issue can’t be resolved, it may be time for the painters [who painted it grey] to have the graffiti laws used against them . The laws should be applied equally. Grey paint doesn’t have a different legal status. Was there a conspiricy by the council to illegally graffiti the wall grey? I’m sure the council would think it’s fair that laws are applied equally. Or is the council above the law? If the council doesn’t respect the law, why should anyone? Has anyone from the council turned themselves in for breaking the [graffiti] law? The council should know it’s illegal to paint a wall you don’t own. When Picasso and Miro were painting murals they weren’t illegally painted over.
What a Wanker.
Bloody patients running the Asylum.
According to the webpage http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/services/graffiti/default.asp
which states the graffiti removal service is aimed at “Graffiti vandalism (tagging)”, and where “If the graffiti appears to be an artwork ie permission was given for the work to be done, it will not be removed.”
My understanding of your above circumstances suggests to me that they are likely liable for negligence. Although I would suggest you seek some free legal advise inregards to council bylaws including:
“Street frontage wall means a wall or façade of a building that faces, directly or obliquely, a site boundary that adjoins a public or private road.”
Signs Bylaw – Amendment No 1 of 2008
Sign means a message or notice conveyed using any visual media, which can be seen from a public place and which advertises a product, business, or service or informs or warns the public. A sign includes the frame, supporting device and any associated ancillary equipment whose principal function is to support the message or notice. It includes but is not limited to a billboard, mural, banner, flag, balloon, poster, sandwich board, wind sock, blimp or projection of light.
27.12.1
The council, in its discretion, may remove, alter or cover a sign that does not comply with this bylaw, and may recover the cost of doing so in accordance with section 163 of the Local Government Act 2002.
27.12.2
Before acting under clause 27.12.1 the council may, but need not, give the sign owner an opportunity to remedy the non-compliance with this bylaw.
Street frontage wall means a wall or façade of a building that faces, directly or obliquely, a site boundary that adjoins a public or private road.Street frontage wall means a wall or façade of a building that faces, directly or obliquely, a site boundary that adjoins a public or private road.
I just dont understand it, as Askew pointed out as graffiti artists we are willing to do this shit… wait not shit, art that is million times better than these government paid p c artfags for FREE. We arent doing this for any monetary gain we are doing it for our own personal gain. naturally that is going to better as we want want it to be the best….
Its so head doing, they are trying to stop tagging yet they have destroyed so many oppotunities for people to show off nz’s world class talent. If only this was the first wall they have buffed unjustly but sadly its not.
Press charges.
Or sue.
What has happened is an atrocity and I believe a criminal action.
Surely the council has monitored this work this work before since I’ve watched it progress for my entire adulthood? It is UNACCEPTABLE that they can erase in an instant, without any discussion with the owners or the broader community, what you have painstakingly produced at your own expense, and poured your heart and energy and so much time.
You guys created a work that was not only admired but beloved by many.
I am now extremely concerned about the quality and style of the mural that will replace your art.
This idea of name-based street art being somehow ‘wrong’ is fundamentally flawed. If it is ok for the council to pay someone to paint a surface somewhere in a pseudo graffiti style then they are also condoning any thug from plastering their own offerings everywhere.
I hate random names on walls, they are furtively sprayed and scrawled because the people tagging know inherently that what they are doing is shit and it should be illegal.
Vandalism, or any kind of unsolicited decoration of private and public property should be a crime, it goes without saying.
Whereas with your mural, created over such a long span of time, and with the complete acceptance and encouragement of the wider community, that was ours and it was most definitely a welcome change from the usual horrendous attempts to prevent vandalism the council sinks our rates into.
If we filmed it, and photographed it, and were happy for it to be there, then they should not have taken it from us.
The council has effectively stolen from all of us. Our streets, our art.
Our taxes shouldn’t be used to pay for the destruction of public property.
The people of Auckland, as victims of art theft, should be the ones to decide what is painted on the wall, and first and foremost some kind of recompense and apology should be made to you and all who worked so hard.
Council……..seriously!!!!!!
I agree with Peepshow. Let the council do one decent thing in this whole fiasco and leave it to you to repaint. Your work is beautiful and brings life and energy to an area.
Christchurch needs the money a whole lot more than the neighbourhood needs a soulless drab view to look at. (Either the gray wall or what the mural would be with council approved crap on it- I’m sure the gray wall would be better.)
the landlord is a pillock as well, call it a day and move your art to another wall – leave the madness behind, because they’re both idiots looking in a mirror. I would like to suggest a council signature is added to that wall though i.e
‘grey nothingnessl’ courtesy of Auckland Supercity Council 2011
Not cool, I cant believe all the redtape and now hoops they are trying to make you jump through. 10 years of work painted over for nothing? Bit of a kick in the balls really 
Keep ya head up Askew, Love your work!
It’s not fair Askew, just people that think Graffiti is vandalism and don’t see it for the true art it is I am really annoyed that something that you and others spent a lot of time on has gone over some B.S….this is your livelihood they are messing with here.
They should let you do another one as an apology.
Sad day for Graf and for NZ art … be good to see them sort it out like grown folks…
Stay up mate!
Wow…typical of ‘ City Council’….they think they are the be all and end all….well if it WASN’T FOR OUR HARD EARNED MONEY…..there would be no council!!!!!!!!!!
Instead of getting fid of CRAP TAGGERS who can’t spell there own names….they get rid of ART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CITY COUNCILS ARE A BUNCH OF IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to the hater regulator called the council. if Len Brown can’t fix it then you really do have an enemy on the council…but most of us do. XXTT
Wow. Actually cant believe council could screw up something like that. Sounds to me like that rob guy has really got it in for you. Also can’t believe the nerve for asking you to submit work to be put up. I reckon get it on tv, Campbell live, etc. Let everyone know…. I’m not sure if you and your crew used to throw up stuff at a wall down on Whitaker pl close to Auckland uni but now there’s development there and I personally think it’s pretty sad we can’t see work there anymore.
Still gets me rawked up that people don’t care to know or know about our culture too.
Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep up the fight and keep us updated, interested to see how it turns out.
Good luck!
Thats bull$hitt brutha, beuracracy and wasting public time and money for no particular fallible reason is what councils excel at. All the best in your efforts !
I also recived the mass Email when I wrote to Len Brown.
Now I read your posts here Askew and I am outraged that The mayor of the people is letting a Nazi like Shields dictate what happens with the new replacement mural.
Why dont they just admit the were grossly in the wrong and let you correct this injustice.
Or as someone said above just hit the wall once they are done and put up something that reflects OUR part of the City.
I live in Arch Hill and work on Krd Id love to see a fresh Askew piece up where the last one was.
just registering my support for Askew – I understand that there may be some complaints – however there should be a proper complaint proceedure where Askew should/could have been involved in
power to the pepo
x
Full support for you dude.Wrote a letter to council too.
Never give up!!!!
Too much perceived power in the hands of individuals with agendas and vendetta’s.
I look forward to seeing your art all over Auckland and NZ where your embraced for your talents.
peas
This is atrocious.
I have seen that mural and many others over the years in that spot. As a person who lives in Wellington it was a pleasure to see some artistic vibrancy when going up to K Rd and it’s shocking to see that a wall that has been maintained by community artists (and from their own pocket) be wiped from the City.
I wish that the Auckland City Council would speak more openly and be more open minded with your local graffiti artists to create something for the world cup that would put Auckland above the rest as there are many talented street artists and writers more than capable and willing to be involved. I mean Auckland is their city as well and they are super proud to represent it.
Really what a waste of a great wall and art piece and if not consulted and communicated with what a waste of a great opportunity to show the world, through the world cup, that Auckland could be a cut above the rest who involve ALL it’s communities and people. And considering that Auckland has TMD (world winners) and other top crews RTR and RFC, it seems totally ridiculous not to utilize that opportunity and stand out in the world.
I am in awe as to why the council would want to use Rob Sheilds. His outlook on writing culture and graffiti is detrimental to any development in ways of deterring tags and/or working with artists for better solutions.
Auckland City Council, you have really talented and clever artists living in your city that have traveled the world, competed and won, whom have international connections and brilliant ideas that they are able to execute if just given a chance….
Be clever Auckland City Council and work with them not against them and utilize your clever and talented artistic people .
Spexone
Wellington
Aotearoa/New Zealand
Hey ho, Hey ho, must be the money.
Len Brown reign in your council and sort this out. DO NOT spend outr tax dollars fixing this.
Give this wall back to artist who do it for LOVE not MONEY.
Having been living in Berlin for a couple of years, I was surprised when I recently returned to Auckland. It feels like a lot of the street art, and even paste-ups, stencils and the like has vanished; maybe that’s a distorted perspective from living on a block where almost every single building is covered in graffiti, but I have noticed the grey paint outs in several places. I was really gutted to hear about this situation.
Sorry Rob Shields, Berlin is one of the least violent and crime ridden cities of its size anywhere in the world, which suggests that there is NO relationship between graffiti and crime. There might of course be a relationship between gangs and crime, something which the anti-tagging lobby fails to concern itself with. Attacking name based fame is a poor strategy for achieving anything other than alienating a small percentage of artists and ensuring that the real problems in Auckland are not being addressed.
Shields making a video in 2007 where he said that the public is angry and “people want blood” is shameful and despicable, in light of what happened in the Emery case, and the council should not associate itself with such an extremist if they want to retain any credibility.
I’m sorry to say i’ve been incredibly ignorant of this situation, and this is the first i’ve known about it. But it horrifies me to see what is happening. I moved from boring old Rotorua, where creativity is more about what sells to tourists than actual creativity. I thought I had escaped that mindset by coming to Auckland, which in my eyes was streaks ahead in terms of the art scene. If you wanted to get out there, and really see what was going on in the art world (which includes graff/hip hop Aux was the place to do that.
But wow, this is just a massive leap backwards. I live in the Parnell area, and i’ve got to say that hideous mural near the New Market Station just makes me want to gag. I’m embarrassed walking past that thing, I couldn’t even fathom how shameful it would be to have your name tacked to it. That is something you would not want to feature in your CV ever – unless you wanted to destroy your chances at getting a commission. I don’t know much about the Auckland history, because i’m still pretty new to it, but that mural just screams classicism and racism to me. It’s tacky, and nothing but an eye sore. If I had to walk around in a city, covered in those disgusting murals I think i’ll be packing my bags and moving.
You know what would be cool, to get back at these backwards thinking fools? Do up some cars with graff. I’d like to see them try and paint over those. Works that can actually move through out the city, and get right into their faces. They’d make a real impact because they can’t be painted over like a wall can.
Not being able to put your name/title onto a piece ONLY makes sense – if you’re working on a piece of crap mural like the one in New Market Station! These are the true abominations that need to be painted over.
Shields needs to go to a retirement village, and chill out over some bingo – like old farts do. As for the council it needs to stop digging it’s heels into the ground like a stubborn ass, and work with the incredible amount of talent it has. How many other cities in the world, would be thrilled to have such fantastic artists at its disposal? To hell with agendas, lets make Auckland stick out as a vibrant character, amongst the dull washed out cities. There are literally tonnes of books dealing with history, lets make a visually stunning cityscape that blows people away – instead of a visually boring city that puts people to sleep.
Rob Shields can do what he wants to try and trip up the graff culture, but the fact remains it’ll be around long after he’s started pushing daisies up through the ground.
Kia kaha!
Chanel
When they are done with the historical themed monstrosity we shall buff it out – simples.
FAR OUT!!! Thats not on. the guys who panted it of should be fired!
Readers may be interested to know that I’ll be interviewing Len Brown about this on Media7 this week, and Jose Barbosa has already shot a track with Askew for us to use in the show.
The show screens at 9.05pm Thursday on TVNZ 7 (channel 7 on Freeview, 77 on Sky).
The recording on Wednesday evening is open to the public. Email me here if you want to come along:
Idiots get jobs idiots should’t have. Tell ta what – just rock up to the wall and in legible text – write ” this was a beautiful wall”. Point made.
Totally, What an absolute joke!!! Im all up for Grafitti Art. My brother used to do a bit on painting. We had a cafe on K rd and lots of people came in and commented on the work. Its a stark contrast to have a boring old white wall. Hopefully no one will complain about the Art adorning the boring walls of the city.
Keep up the good work.
Sunil
Its real childish that the council go to such lengths to perform such an act.
I believe its better to see real art on the wall rather then these little wannabes who like to tag the ABC’s all over the wall.
The council speak for themselves, not others. They act like they dont but they do. I hope you get your point across because its becoming a habbit where the council takes action and alot of people dont know how to stick up for themselves against certain issues.
Right on 
Do you own the wall Askew?
If you are so passionate about presenting your art to the public – hire a billbord or buy a billboard – or get Russell Brown to sponsor you and get him to buy you a billboard – you could even buy a building and paint whatever you like on it.
You could buy an art gallery.
I dont like the piece that you have painted ( personal opinion)
I do like Graf art.
I like the thought of artists like yourself painting on public walls but you wont get any sympathy from me if someone else from the public (council included ) paints over it when you dont own it.
If you owned the wall – space – medium then sure – then you would have a leg to stand on and my support.
Keep it real.
If Askew and his crew don’t get to repaint that wall then it’ll just end up getting tagged to fuck and will no doubt look a right mess – unlike the choice artwork that was there already. Dumb fucks like Rob Shields at the council don’t know shit about ‘art’ – they should be compensating Askew for their act of criminal vandalism. Imagine if this had been done to John Pule’s work on Williamson?
Get mad @ Len & his cronies – Support Askew people! (& don’t let those grey MFers get you down boss…)
Aaron,
you have missed the point all together.
this situation totally stinks. I really feel for you – and it’s disappointing that the council isn’t displaying any recognition of you as an artist. You paint, and maintain over a decade, an awesome graff wall – which as you noted, isn’t then tagged over because people respect YOUR work – then the council paint over it by accident… which sucks, but hey could be an understandable bureaucratic error… but then they get someone else to paint the wall? And you have to ‘submit’ a portfolio for possible inclusion. WTF?? there should be no question at all that it should be yours to re-do … here’s hoping no other fools take the bait
If you are so passionate about presenting your art to the public – hire a billbord or buy a billboard – or get Russell Brown to sponsor you and get him to buy you a billboard – you could even buy a building and paint whatever you like on it.
Giggle.
I am so sorry they have done this to your art and they should let you replace it.
Your art is much admired. My elderly parents live on Greys Ave and even they admire your work (77 & 82) and they really hate tagging. But even they can see that this wall is art and belongs well within the K Rd community of which they feel a part.
Thanks for all the beauty you provide us and I really hope you get that wall back
Blessed Be
Yo Yo
Big Shame!
***(no diss too the artist’s ability here or anything, because i’d say this too anyone’s face including askew. let me state that again for those who will rush too take me out of context. i am not trying too belittle the ability’s of the artist. my argument is purely about the nature of graffiti.)
graffiti is graffiti. in graffiti you take spots and maintain them without permission. if you want too stop fighting the system call yourself a modern artist, or an urban artist. and maybe you’ll get some headway, quit using the word graffiti on something just because you used a spray can. this forces the morons who don’t see the difference too realize it.
you do graffiti i’ve seen the flicks, but you also do a whole lot of modern art too, and i do believe your modern art and not your graffiti is what’s at risk. every graffiti writer knows their spots are one day going too disappear, be it another writer, the buff, demolition etc. so why in a culture based on this do you get hurt over your paintings being covered, its the nature of the beast, you of all people should know this by now.
if you want your spot back, TAKE ‘EM !! if that not your thing anymore, well then tough luck. because the system only cares about order, freethinking is not condoned unless in a controlled environment. this is reality, accept it and move on.
keep it real above all else!!!
I know a lot of folks who paint and maintain their property too, only to have it defaced illegally.
How does it feel bro?
Your indignance is quite amusing.
The work is ephemeral by nature though.
I think to measure what I do against the accumulative anger about graffiti in general is to distort the issue at hand. To reply to both the above comments – I’m an artist point blank – whether I use graffiti as my mode or mural work, or sculptural, video, graphic design for that matter. To me I can only measure work by it’s intent – If I feel something lacks merit, or an honest intent at least then I can judge it on that – If I can see the heart and soul then I can appreciate it regardless of legality or property ownership issues. Sorry if that’s not in line with the way I’m supposed to view the world it just is me being honest to how I feel and experience this environment I live in.
A major turning point for me was the Bruce Emery and Pihema Cameron situation where so many people defended murder of a 15 year old child because of the accumulative anger about graffiti. A child was murdered and the killer served less than people I know of have served for doing graffiti. The value placed on material things or property over life just disgusts me. And in a second all these material things can just be reduced to rubble in an instant. Look at Christchurch or Japan. Go to Detroit and tell me how meaningful and indestructible buildings in the bigger picture.
Maybe the entire world should just be grey so noone gets offended by anything.
If the owner of the building didn’t have a problem with the wall, how the council paint over it? Are they allowed to just go and do this?
Ridiculous.
I completely understand the frustration your going through. I had a similar situation dealing with a guy from the council who ran the graffiti strategy down here in Geelong VIC AUS. I worked with him for a year until I refused to deal with his crap anymore and decided to try go off on my own trying to get commissioned walls, problem is I kinda need to go through his department to get permission for walls as well as provide sketches. When I was working under him I was told not to use graffiti-style wording or tags. I was also told to avoid using black and that he actually didn’t care much for graffiti. If that was the case then why the F#ck was he heading the graffiti strategy? As a result our town kinda looks like shit at the moment, most of the walls look like they were done by 5 year olds.
We seriously need some talent such as yours down this way, but then again you would probably get screwed over here too.
Anyway sorry to hear about the buff, it’s a real shame. Your style and precision amazes me.
how the fuck can the council think that this ugly green wall look better than the artwork before hand, it sucks how the council can choose what looks good over a mass number of the public, i think its fucking ridiculous if this has anything to do with cleaning up the city for the rugby world cup, why should we change how we admire and enjoy new zealand art over what tourist might think we as kiwis should always come first, I think its time for another auckland riot. this goes down as one of the most stupid choice thats ever been made
i love the transient nature of graf…
…but that’s just ridiculous
can’t believe that Shields is still blagging himself a salary from council…
…he’d prolly paint over Banksy when he’s due here for the Nelson Arts festival in October
yea,
it’s happen here in Kuala Lumpur too.
it feels suck for artists like us.
To people who don’t do ‘art’, there is 2 different between arts and vandals.
obviously arts need skills. Askew got that skills.
don’t stop that fight Askew!
tha-b
In reply to Aaron,
You have completely missed the point of this situation. Go back and read Askew’s article again, and also take a look at his Twitter account for the play-by-play announcements as they come through.
I won’t give you the short and sharp summarised version, that would be too easy, but you should have put in the effort to read about this particular situation further before posting a meaningless and completely incorrect comment.
okay i know people don’t read each and every comment but,
even with your blog making valid points for graff and its opposition’s view, you really gotta think – paint is paint, it’s 3mm thick – have a cry if some kid has tagged up your favourite grey wall, your favourite green bin, your favourite street sign. Graffiti is art, i don’t give a fuck if all of those ‘legal’ scumbags think otherwise, graffiti is the last form of free speech that even (subconsciously) non-painters love. Maybe even if some rat busted out some shitty straights on your fence with his stock export caps, you would take it as a personal threat, blind cats gotta realise that painting isn’t directed at the owner, it’s directed at the wall that you’re touching up with a little paint. Even with buff coming and going, and the rugby world cup coming along, why would a person with eyes still go ahead to paint over this piece of art? shit son, it’s not even a tag! it’s a full on amazing piece! mad props
You can’t seriously think that repainting over street art should be accepted, this example cuts the cake (even this wall was legal!)
keep rippin brother
It’s a sad day for the Auckland street scene when the council starts painting the walls grey just because they can. Kia kaha, dude, fight the grey.
This is so wrong… you worded it well Askew.. Good on you for standing up to them! I’ve dealt with Councils before here in Aus on behalf of not just writers but also Hip Hop Artists (trying to squash the culture altogether I think) and it’s definitely a huge uphill battle, but it seems you have both the community and media on your side, so I think you’ll definitely come out on top with this one!! Good luck bro!
P.S. when you win, make sure they give you an “acceptable” plaque with their official apology on it. They make kids do similar things through contract at juvenile justice, only right that they should have to do the same when they stuff up! lol
Whats the update on this situation? I just read this and got infuriated. Everything about this is completely illegal! Why haven’t the owners just denied the council’s “assistance” in selecting a new muralist and just commission you privately to drop a new set?
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Real weak. So typical of councils to try and impose their own idea of what is acceptable or not onto somebody elses private property.
I know this doesn’t even need saying, but stand your ground man, hope it works out for you.