Cardiff graffiti studio nurtures local talent

Vox Pop: Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

Alt:Cardiff takes to the streets of Cardiff to see whether locals consider graffiti a genuine form of artistic expression.

Rod O’Neill, 38, Owner of Kelly’s Records, Cardiff

“Graffiti is an art form. However, there is a difference between graffiti and tagging. If done properly, it’s definitely art.”

Tim Walden, 22, Retail Assistant, Cardiff

“Some idiots just like to write their name. But, for the most part, it’s definitely an art form that has meaning behind it.”

Zoe Smith, 37, Trainee Nurse, Cardiff

“It depends on whether or not it looks good. If it’s someone that’s painted something, that looks nice and enhances the environment, I would call it art.”

Aimee Cox, 23, Nurse, Cardiff

“I think graffiti is a form of artistic vandalism. It belongs in a frame, not on a wall.”

Richard Thomas, 59, Electrical Engineer, Cardiff

“I spend a lot of time in France and Germany, and you see some very artistic graffiti. However, it depends on context. I think graffiti often spoils the environment.”

Tom Woolls, 23, Sales Consultant, Cardiff

“Graffiti is art, but not if it’s tagging. If it’s to have any merit as an art form, it has to have some creativity behind it.”

Further information

The Illustrate Project brings an oriental flavour to a corner of South Wales

The Trackside Graffiti Art Workshop takes place on 4 December, between 11 am and 2pm on 4 December. The three-hour session costs £30, and includes all materials and a free graffiti art board.

For more information on the workshop and The Illustrate Project, visit: http://illustrateproject.com/

The Illustrate Project opens its doors to Cardiff youth

Taking art to the wall

Cardiff’s finest and most experienced graffiti and aerosol art collective, The Illustrate Project, is set to open its studio doors for a unique coaching workshop on 4 December.

The workshop, which takes place in the Trackside Studio in Roath, promises over three hours of intensive tuition in graffiti-culture history, drawing skills, and painting techniques.

The Illustrate Project looks primarily to develop graffiti skills in young artists, graphic designers, and art students. However, the collective also encourages people without a creative background to take part and learn more about graffiti as a form of artistic expression.

Workshop coordinator Bradley “Rmer1” Woods says, “Our workshops are a brilliant mix of ages and genders, which cover the basics of world wide graffiti art culture.”