The Power of Language, Street Art & Writing on the Walls
“I never realised what was on the walls was so deep”.
Their writing is on the walls. We pass in front of it everyday. Tags, calligraphy, “graffiti” (as the mainstream refers to it) or other forms of street art that sometimes disrupt our neighborhoods, trains and public spaces. Most of us don’t really pay attention, others call it vandalism, and just a few truly understand what it has to offer.
In 1976, a 12-year old kid in South Bronx NYC finds its way to an underground scene that was going to become a global cultural phenomenon. A phenomenon he helped shape via his ideas and passion for science-fiction, letters and complex systems. More than four decades later – and quite a few prestigious art exhibitions under the belt – he is still producing pieces that are sought-after by collectors and street art aficionados. And here I am, sitting on his sofa, getting initiated to a world I knew very little about. Cosmic.
Since then, I have been looking at the walls in a whole different way, and I am even more convinced street artists have a lot more to offer to society than painting the few walls we willingly dedicate to their art.
It’s my great pleasure to offer you this interview with Mr. Chuck “Kool Koor” Hargrove – a real pioneer and inspirational figure for those who like to express themselves in the open space. Like humans have done since prehistoric times by the way…
Looking forward to your thoughts at hello@becosmic.org
Dance, do more, be cosmic.
Camille.
Links related to the discussion:
- A selection of Kool Koor’s art pieces
- Full Video Kool Koor – Movement by Thomas Vercauteren, Yannick Demarsin, Thomas Engelaer
- About Rammellzee
- About TOXIC
- About A-one
Link to the Spotify Playlist
Podcast on Spotify
Video Podcast on YouTube:
