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introduction 

To watch the introduction videos, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The script for the videos can be read below if you would like to reference it at any time. Begin by watching "intro pt. 1," and follow the directions to proceed through the following videos. Once you've watched them all, return to this site and explore the Monday tab in order to complete your goals for today.

You are an up-and-coming street artist living in Washington, DC. Your work is graphic, powerful, meaningful. The world is your playground and you place art wherever you see fit, even if that space is not your property. Does the location of a work of art sway its meaning in one direction or another? Absolutely. Place can make all the difference in the world. It can inhibit a piece's meaning, emphasize the importance of a piece, or relate specfically to the culture of an area. Street artists are fearless in their work--they take large risks by taking claim of public property, yet always leave their mark. Oftentimes, these marks are found in the form of symbolic pictures. They are used as a signature on works of public art by representing themselves through a symbol. (shows images of graffiti artist tags as examples). Your first task as a street artist is to create a symbol that sums up who you are as an artist. This can range from an arrangement of shapes, letters, symbols that you see on a keyboard, numbers--or anything that you think accurately describes you. Try to keep the symbol short and sweet, as it is the finishing touch on your works and you should be able to sign the work quickly. (students create "tags").

 

 


As you're completing the final details on your current project, you hear sirens in the distance. You suddenly realize that the building side that you chose to spray paint your beautiful work on was not merely a random building: it was federal property belonging to the U.S. government. You panic, realizing that you should have chosen your location much more carefully, and that you should have gotten permission before placing your art there. You run to escape, all while knowing police are already on your trail. You realize that you have no choice but to get as far off the grid as possible. With no evidence to trace you other than your signature anonymous tag, the police still do not know your identity.  You race to the airport with no destination in mind. Just because the authorities are after you does not make you willing to give up your passion. You're drawn to see how other street artists are getting away with their work without getting caught. You jump on the first plane you can find and are en route to your first incognito location: Switzerland.  

 

 

As you begin your journey, keep some things in mind:

-Study the culture of your surroundings. Culture heavily influences art in a localized region. Knowing social norms will help you blend in to an area and avoid unwanted police attention.

-Take thoughtful photos (screenshot) your surroundings. You can use these screen shots to make changes to these pieces as you see fit-- when you do, make sure you leave your tag to claim your work.

-if your tag begins to change as you travel, allow this to happen! It's normal for your style to change as you find out who you are as an artist. This tag can be influenced by varying culture, people, or new ideas you may get along the way.

 


 

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