I began with the idea of creating a poster in protest of gentrification. I take the train to school, and have noticed a lot of the graffiti in different neighborhoods highlighting a common and culturally relevant theme occurring throughout the city: gentrification. Using this “performative art,” as Alexandre Pereya described it, I incorporated elements of the images I saw around the different areas, as well as anti-gentrification protests I researched. It was interesting, seeing the different reasons many locals listed as the destructive affects of abruptly shifting socioeconomic levels in different neighborhoods. Through the explicit text listed in the Georgia map outline, it is clear that the poster is against gentrification. Aside form the bold text that read “Gentrification = Colonialism,” and the many, smaller, surrounding texts, there is a clear break between the city of Atlanta, and the rest of the state, symbolizing the color, life, and cultures that were vibrant in the areas begin pushed out. I used vibrant colors inside the state borders, to represent those being affected by this, and outlined the state in a darker color to create an ominous tone. I tried to make sure the title phrase “Gentrification = Colonialism” was bold and stood out, because in the the idea that this poster is supporting. I incorporated elements of some graffiti styles in it to show its influence. I chose to use a poster, because it is easily transferable to a picket sign, it’s a great medium to personalize the artwork therefore personalizing the message, and it can be displayed in public (protests) and private (hung in the bedroom). The video “How Graffiti Tensions Art” played a huge hand in how I perceived graffiti, and the conflicting views behind the highly debated art form, because, at its purest, it is also a protest. It gives a voice to the voiceless, and invites others, as Bates mentioned, to create a proper and inclusive discourse concerning the affects of this largely impactful practice. Through this poster, I hope to convey the different perspectives and emotions in response to the underbelly of this process.

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