Global Street Art
If the inherent transience within street art is to be given some measure of permanence, and if the sheer global output and the chaotic online networks that pieces spread through are to be properly harnessed, we may just need a scientific approach. B Boy, photographer and PHD Lee Bofkin has set himself the task of doing just that. Bringing the deliberate scientific methods of taxonomy to bear, he is out to catalogue and document work from every corner of the globe into a meticulous database set systematically into defining sub categories. With an infectious enthusiasm, a passion for the art and a fascinating blend of science and the streets embedded in his psyche, Lee is off to a seriously dynamic start. We caught up with him for a quick chat about the Global Street Art project, and illustrated the article with a handful of shots from the blossoming database
Where is the balance between science and art for you Science and art aren’t opposing forces; they compliment. There’s an art to science and a science to art. When we’re doing our best work, regardless of the discipline, its an art. What is the essence of breakdancing for you The essence of bboying is style and creativity, mixed with technique and a lot of mistakes along the way. If there is one thing that’s the real essence its probably just very hard work over a sustained period of time. It’s the 10,000 hours principle. Within hip-hop culture the philosophy of each one teach one works the best. We all reach further with a hand up!