An ode to graffiti photography
Until 30 November 2024, the Pennings Foundation is showing the exhibition ‘With One Eye Open’, a fascinating journey through the history and development of graffiti photography. Curator Jasper van Es compiled a unique collection that not only highlights the subculture of graffiti itself, but also the essential role of photography in capturing and documenting this ephemeral art form.
Photos from the exhibition > Peter Cox, unless otherwise stated.
The role of photography in graffiti
Since the 1970s, photographers have been closely involved in capturing graffiti, both to preserve the ‘piece’ and to document the ‘writers’ and their processes. This exhibition shows how photography is not only evidence, but also a work of art in itself.
The exhibition
‘With One Eye Open’ presents a wide range of projects by both international and local photographers and graffiti artists. Names such as Alex Fakso, Martha Cooper, and Ralph Roelse are central to this collection, together with lesser-known but equally influential projects. The title of the exhibition has a double meaning: on the one hand it refers to the way a photographer looks through the camera lens, and on the other hand it refers to the constant alertness required because of the risks that are present both during and after the photographing.
A glimpse into the hidden world
The exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the hidden world of graffiti. Graffiti artists often work at night or in hidden locations, where their work is only clearly visible in daylight. The photography and film that is made during these actions not only preserve the end result, but also the process and the makers themselves. This documentation is crucial because of the temporary and often illegal nature of graffiti.
The legendary book 'Subway Art'
A special highlight of the exhibition is a tribute to the legendary book Subway Art by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant. Published in 1984, this book is often considered the 'bible' of graffiti art. Where Henry Chalfant captured the colorful, expressive works that adorned the New York City subways in the 1970s and 1980s, Martha Cooper chronicled the scene by following the artists. Subway Art went on to inspire countless artists and photographers around the world. The book’s influence is still felt today, and the exhibition features some of the most iconic images from this groundbreaking work.
Creative presentation formats
The exhibition uses a variety of presentation formats to bring the artworks and their stories to life. Printed photographs are placed next to digital screens that show videos of the pieces and writers at work. In addition to traditional presentation formats, With One Eye Open also uses creative methods such as mirrors and peep boxes. These techniques give visitors a new perspective on the artworks and allow for a playful interaction with the photographs on display. In addition, the videos are presented in ingenious ways, using unusual angles and clever editing, which reinforces the dynamism and story of the graffiti artists.
Visit the exhibition
Such an exhibition provides a new perspective on graffiti and the art of capturing this subculture. ‘With One Eye Open’ is a must-see for graffiti enthusiasts as well as photographers and art lovers. After a grand opening with around 400 visitors from home and abroad, enthusiasts from Belgium, Germany, England, France, Italy and Portugal visit the exhibition every weekend. In the middle of the space, design studio mo man tai built a skate ramp to draw attention to this subculture during the Dutch Design Week in October. Skateboarders regularly use it. Visit the exhibition and discover the hidden worlds of graffiti through the eyes of the photographers.
Children from the Weekend School in Eindhoven visited the exhibition.
The Mondriaan Fund selected Pennings Foundation for the book presentation of Scratching the Surface. An exploration of graffiti and street art, published by Jap Sam Books.
Eelco van der Lingen, director of the Mondriaan Fonds, says:
“Scratching the Surface is a next step to gain more control over the value of graffiti and street art. These art forms may not have any need to be understood or institutionalised, but here we are looking for answers to the questions that keep coming back to our table.”
The exhibition has been extended until November 30, 2024.
Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 20:00 > live tour of the exhibition by curator Jasper van Es on his Instagram account.
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