NJ Graffiti Mural Causes Uproar
April 9th, 2012 by chocko
A Trayvon Martin (a teenager shot and killed in Sanford, Florida) tribute mural recently completed in Elmwood Park, New Jersey features a hooded figure and graffiti. The mysterious man depicted with the hoodie is actually a a self-portrait of local artist, Joe Iurato who has been painting faceless, hooded figures for quite some time now. Iurato along with artists Snow, Demer, Mr. Mustart and 2Tek were invited to paint a mural on the side of Messina Deli on E. 54th St. in Elmwood Park, NJ (Iurato’s hometown). It’s only a few blocks away from where my best friend, Raluca (R.I.P.) lived. She was an amazing human being and artist and she would have got a kick out of seeing street art in her neck of the woods.
Most residents support the mural, but unfortunately, the town has received multiple complaints from residents (old folks!) who see the mural as a threat to their quiet neighborhood. They see it as a threat that promotes vandalism and gang activity. I checked out the mural this morning in person and think those ideas are a misinterpretation and there is nothing in that artwork I saw that suggests gangs, violence, drugs nor vandalism. The owner of the building granted permission to the artists (who are not gangsters!) to paint the wall! I think art in any community is a valuable asset and can add color and positive messages in a landscape which already bombards us mostly with images and advertisements that force-feed us products and ideas that normal people can’t relate to. So much for freedom of speech to express his or her own ideas…I read an article in a local newspaper and it suggests that the town will most likely have the mural removed. Enjoy the photos by Chocko and Mr. C.
(PANORAMIC PHOTOS by MR. C)
Tags: demer, elmwood park, graffiti, joe Iuratato, mr. mustart, mural, new jersey, nj, snow, street art, trayvon martin
Posted in art, community, mr. c, photos | Comments (1)
April 9th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I fine the graffitti offensive to say the lease. If the owner of the building feels so strongly on the subject, I suggest he has the inside of his deli painted with the graffiti and paint over the exterior to conform to the Building Codes in place. Personally, I feel the owner had this done for the sole purpose of drumming up business and has no feelings whatsoever for the incident which occurred in Florida.