I am reviewing Tagged in Motion(watch) for my first blog entry. The project combines the two-dimensional art of graffiti with a 3-dimensional virtual depiction. The video shows graffiti artist, DAIM, creating a piece in the middle of a large warehouse. His strokes are being tracked by three different cameras strategically placed around him. DAIM is able to switch colors, textures and size of any stroke through a Bluetooth controller. He can see his work, in real-time, through a head mounted display. Upon conclusion, the final image is shown on the video in all of it's 3-dimensional glory.
Traditionally, graffiti is found anywhere an artist can navigate their spray cans onto, into or up to. Just to name a few reoccurring haunts, there is the always classic, subway, street signs, billboards and tunnels. There is always exceptional depth within the pieces even though they are created on flat surfaces. Depending on the the artist, a viewer might have to spend a little extra time deciphering the message within each piece. This definitely adds to the mystique surrounding the graffiti scene. Many times, artists will have numerous pieces up all over their city and sometimes the world, yet there identity is limited to their tagging name. This anonymity is crucial when throwing up pieces in public places. Having the ability to create these pieces in 3D opens a lot of doors, all the while keeping artists out of the back of squad cars. The final 3D pieces also have the potential to be way bigger and more intricate using this new technology. There really are no boundaries.
That being said I do not think this form of graffiti will ever catch on within the scene. Furthermore, I do not think it should. Maybe I'm old-school, but I want to see these pieces when I'm in any city. I enjoy being amazed when I notice art in places I cannot fathom anyone getting to. 3-dimensional pieces take all of this away. To me, this is an essential part of the graffiti scene. Something that should not be left out in the cold. While the video was interesting, I see it more as novelty than an art from that will make a lasting impact within the graffiti world.
*Project was found off Networked Performance website
