Bad News For Street Art

Some folks will tout this as a good thing but I disagree!
I think I will visit Astoria....




Civilians, cops tag-team vs. graffiti
BY NICHOLAS HIRSHON DAILY NEWS WRITER
Tuesday, January 27th 2009, 1:00 AM

Queens has made major strides in the war on vandalism. Graffiti complaints dropped dramatically across the borough in 2008 — including a 20% decline in Queens’ northern precincts — even as citywide totals jumped more than 10%, according to preliminary NYPD stats. The number of graffiti complaints includes calls from the public to report vandalism to the NYPD, as well as all graffiti-related criminal charges the NYPD files against suspects after they’re arrested.

In addition, cops collared 214 fewer taggers in Queens than they had in 2007 — a 23.1% drop that contrasted with a 10% leap citywide in graffiti arrests, NYPD records show.
Skeptics warn the numbers may indicate only a lack of vigilance in reporting graffiti and catching offenders — not a true dip in the colorful crimes — but others view them as a major accomplishment.

Rounding out Queens' top five precincts for graffiti complaints in 2008 were Astoria's 114th, Richmond Hill's 102nd, Long Island City's 108th and Flushing's 109th.

The NYPD did not respond to requests for comment.

Shepard Fairey

First a program on his work on Ovation and now an artist in the Smithsonian? I love the fact that Shepard Fairey is getting the recognition he deserves. His work is amazing and a treat to see on the streets of New York and Miami (and probably many other cities as well).

This article in today's New York Times however demonstrates how a street artist can achieve (and should achieve) the pinnacle of art recognition. HIs portrait of President Obama is now hanging in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC. Congratulations and well deserved!