Let’s talk: Discussions this week in NYC and ATL

Gaia and Nanook

This week, there are at least three discussions about street art and graffiti that look worth checking out.

The first two events are in New York at screenings of the film Vigilante Vigilante. VV is a film that I’ve been hoping to see for at least a year. It’s about the people who take graffiti removal into their own hands and paint over graffiti without permission. Here’s the trailer. VV has two screenings in New York this week at the Maysles Cinema: Wednesday and Friday at 7:30pm. After Wednesday’s screening, there will be a discussion with director Max Good, artists ESPO (aka Steve Powers) and Lava 1 & 2. After Friday’s screening, there will be a conversation between Max Good and retired Vandal Squad Cop Steve Mona. Either event should be interesting, but I’ll be at Friday’s screening (although I might have to bail on the discussion in favor of Fountain’s opening party. We’ll see). You can buy tickets for Vigilante Vigilante and read more about the film and the post-screening events online.

The final discussion is on Sunday evening in Atlanta. Living Walls Concepts is bringing Gaia and Nanook, both participants in the Living Walls Conference since its inception, to town to discuss “the impact of mural projects on urban areas” and “the importance of illegal street work and direct action.” Given their years at Living Walls and other mural festivals and Gaia’s experience starting up the brand new mural project Open Walls Baltimore, this should be something pretty special. You can find details of the event here.

Photo by Nanook

Vigilante Vigilante – the film about graff removal is finally released

Joe Connolly, a graffiti buffing vigilante

Vigilante Vigilante: The Battle for Expression is a long-awaited film about the people who go out on their own and without permission to paint over graffiti. Check out the trailer:

“Vigilante Vigilante: The Battle for Expression” Official Trailer from max good on Vimeo.

Vigilante Vigilante is going to have it’s first public screening on August 12th. The film is premiering at the Roxie Theater in San Fransisco. You can get tickets online. Personally, I can’t wait for a screening in Philadelphia. If anyone makes it to the San Fransisco screening, let me know how it is.

Check out more about the film on the Vigilante Vigilante website.

Photo courtesy of Vigilante Vigilante