The British artist Paul Curtis is not sure what to call his version of vandalism. “People call it ‘reverse graffiti,’ ” he says, “but I prefer something less sinister: ‘clean tagging’ or ‘grime writing.’ ” Curtis, a k a Moose, selectively scrubs dirty, derelict city property (tunnel walls, sidewalks) so that words and images are formed by the cleaned bits. “It’s refacing,” he says, “not defacing. Just restoring a surface to its original state. It’s very temporary. It glows and it twinkles, and then it fades away.”
Had an email from Moenipulation detailing his project, and this is what he had to say:
“I am an artist whose work is based upon my experience within the UK graffiti scene since the mid 80’s.
Through these experiences I have developed and experimented with the concept of producing marks within locations in acts of portrayal and literal vandalism with the intent to cause reaction from the onlookers.
The imagery is framed within our ornate world diverse and subversive, creating unique and paradox moments which are documented and transferred to new vantage points producing an alternative perspective.
I.D:EALISTIC
Masking is the art of creating a mark within a location using a persona. Creating from the everyday in such a manner as to be unique and provocative, just as the strange can be an everyday event.
People from across the globe have taken part in my project and the invite to participate is still open.
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