Spanish artist SpY is currently in Paris invited to this years Nuit Blanche, an event that took place last Saturday and for which he created this new piece titled “I’m not a real artist”.
“I’m not a real artist” is inspired by Keith Arnatt’s iconic Trouser – Word Piece 1972–1989 (see image below) which stated “I’m a real artist” employing linguistic analysis as a satirical meditation on the nature of the real, using the devices of philosophical enquiry to mock the notion of artistic celebrity. SpY transforms this affirmation into a negation in an ironic way questioning the (street) artists real place in society and the art institution.
The letters were painted with phosphorescent paint that is replenished throughout the day by the light of the sun as well as by spotlights placed in front of the building. After the lights are fully charged, they shine brightly on their own once night falls.
Clever and enquiring piece, just the way its supposed to be. Btw, here a good article shared today by The Guardian.
All Images © Jérôme Thomas for the project Sky Is The Limit
The estate of Keith Arnatt © Tate
Author: Fran
Founder and editor of Urbanite. Street Art lover who after the finishing her MA thesis on the Mexican and Norwegian muralist movement in the 1920-50s, developed a fascination for street art and graffiti that eventually led to collaborations with different art blogs, including the creation of this one.
Great piece.