Graffiti Marathon: Coming Soon

Westport has an extensive variety of graffiti, focused on Broadway, extending from Westport Road North.  Our next destination is 39th and Central.  Here, for the first time, I discovered a building where two walls are currently being painted with colorful murals.  Hopefully, you will immediately recognize our friend, Scribe.  Each painter has a unique style.  Many can be found in Westport, along Broadway, Oak, and even in the West Bottoms.

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As I have driven throughout the city, I have become acquainted with many of the artists.  Many identify themselves with names like “Scribe”, “Saron”, “Storm”, “Frost” and “feminine”.  Some artists  use initials “SKY ZNK” and “TCTW”.  Their styles are also becoming familiar.

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Cartoon characters, dogs, cats, dragons and birds and even insects, are common themes.

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This great bull dog is identified as the work of “GEAR”.

For those not yet weary of graffiti, still to be explored is art from outside the Mid-town corridors.

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Writing on the wall–The “people’s art”.

Kansas City’s art is found indoors and outdoors.  It is found in museums, galleries and outdoor parks.  These works of art can be found hidden in plain sight, on the walls of abandoned buildings and warehouses, sometimes in back alleys where only the most adventurous will find them. These street murals are generally skillfully done, and are, while sometimes unwanted, a celebration of life and creativity. While the artists are generally unknown to the general community, the initials of the artists are often included, announcing their skills to those who are part of the inner circle of these artists.

Some of my favorite graffiti is what I like to call “writing on the wall” because that is exactly what it is.  If the writings are actually words, I haven’t deciphered them.  But that does not diminish the skill of the artists, whose creativity never ceases to amaze me.  Here are some of my favorites, found within blocks of downtown, Kansas City.

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I often wonder, when I find one of these writings, whether the creators are totally unschooled, have been to art classes or are just patient.

Sometimes I wonder where they buy the paint??  Is there a graffiti union?