assignment 3 slideshow
DESCRIPTION
Assessment 3 for EDEV402 by Mick RobsonTRANSCRIPT
Just because it’s not in a gallery...
...doesn’t mean it’s not art.
Just because a man isn’t celebrated...
...doesn’t mean he isn’t an artist.
ABOVE
ABOVE is an American contemporary street artist who keeps his identity concealed. His artwork is noted for often carrying political or social messages. One of his artistic trademarks is the use of an arrow.
THE PURPOSE OF THE ARROWS
Above uses the arrows to represent overcoming obstacles, rising “above” (hence the pseudonym) and generally pushing oneself to being the best they can be.
Arrows can have multiple purposes, according to Above, it is an inspirational symbol.
BIOGRAPHYLimited information is known about Above, due to his anonymous persona. However, it is believed that he was born in 1981, making him either 29 or 30 years old. He has been active as an artist since 1995, beginning with traditional graffiti. He became a more recognised artist in 2001, when he moved to Paris, France and introduced his brand of street art to the French, including his now famous arrow logo.
Above has travelled the world to express his various designs to a variety
of cultures
Alaska
Istanbul, Turkey
Barcelona, Spain
Machu Pichu, Peru
Above has a very positive reputation within
the art community, particularly from the
Europeans. He uses a range of materials to
construct his arrows, including wood, fabric
and textiles. His ability and willingness to
place his artwork in such dangerously high
places have earnt him much respect from fans
and critics alike.
The nature of Above’s work has caused
some controversy, as while he is a
celebrated artist, legally much of his
artwork is actually illegal. Above states
that he has been arrested 10 times for
graffiti of public buildings.
Early 2000’s- Work in Europe
2003- Back to America
2005- Europe Again
Above has visited 26 countries over the past 6
years in what was known as his “sign
language” tour. The first below photo is from
2007 in Guatemala, and the second is from
2011 in Brisbane, during the aftermath of the
QLD floods.
Fanbase
While Above remains anonymous, he does
stay in contact with fans via his website
and travel blog. He does not have a
Facebook, MySpace or Twitter account, as
he designs artwork for the artistic
expression and has no desire for fame.
The few media interviews he has done have been by e-mail correspondence.
Reference ListVortex (2000), http://www.webdesign.org/img_articles/7044/colors.jpg, accessed 22/1/2011Silhouette (2010), http://www.clker.com/clipart-24011.html, accessed 22/1/2011Topping, D. (2007), Tall Poppy interview: Above, Toronto newspaper, http://torontoist.com/2007/06/tall_poppy_inte_45.php, accessed 25/1/2011Above (2011), Arrows, Arrows and More Arrows, http://goabove.com/arrows_arrows_and_more_arrows.html, accessed 25/1/2011Above (2011), Above Personal Website, http://www.goabove.com/, accessed 25/1/2011Earth (2010), http://www.opensecrets.org/news/earth.jpg, accessed 25/1/2011