Street Marks 1
©2008 Craig Ashby
Digital Photograph

Street Marks 1 is a simple photo of sidewalk construction marks and texture. This hidden language is seen all over the city. And who doesn’t love fluorescents on grey asphalt?

Every single time I see these I love them. The wear. The harshness of color. It is all so perfect. It always draws my eye in a way that sometimes even fine art misses.

I have asked what the marks mean. Frequently maps to gas or water mains. Tiny graffiti maps of future work.

The only real difference from normal graffiti is that this is purely utilitarian. Oh and they are on the ground which doubles the interest.

Being utilitarian is the key. They don’t have to follow the conceits of graffiti styles. They are quick and not overthought which makes them all the more lovely.

Sometimes styles or genres are really boring. There is nothing avant-garde about genre work. Why not just expose the beauty without inventing a container that cages the idea.

I don’t remember how many are in this set. I do know that I need more. I wish I could scan these kinds of things. Hint, hint, wand scanner companies.