Graffiti as a Voice: Red Bull's Urban Art Movement in Seattle
Click here to but tickets to Lords Of The Floor, and click here to win tickets to Lords of the Floor
Delving into the dynamic fusion of hip-hop culture and urban art, Red Bull's community engagement soars in the vibrant heart of Seattle. With the highly anticipated return of Red Bull's Lords of the Floor after two decades, slated for April 6th at WaMu Theater, the brand is also making its mark in the city's artistic landscape. Collaborating with globally renowned graffiti artists such as Totem2, Charms Won, and Graves, Red Bull recently transformed the Westside Wall in West Seattle into a captivating canvas alive with their creative expressions.
Reflecting on the origins of their collaboration, Charms Won reminisced, "Back in 2001, during Red Bull Lords of the Floor's second event in Seattle, they sought graffiti artists, and fortunately, Totem2, one of the finest in the world, was a friend of mine. Together with his colleague Kems, we had the privilege to partake in one of the most electrifying breakdance competitions ever."
Addressing the debate surrounding graffiti's impact on urban aesthetics, artist Amanda asserted a contrary perspective, emphasizing its role in representing and enlivening the city. "Graffiti has the power to transform mundane spaces like this nondescript black wall into vibrant reflections of city life and culture. It's not just about hip-hop; it's about showcasing the essence of our city. When executed tastefully, like these murals, graffiti becomes a celebration of urban diversity."
For Totem2, graffiti stands as a quintessentially American art form, tracing its roots back to the country's cultural fabric. "Graffiti is the pioneer of American art forms. While other art forms have origins elsewhere—be it Africa, Asia, or Europe—graffiti is uniquely American, embodying the spirit of Americana. As an artist hailing from Atlanta, it's crucial to highlight that some of the finest talents in this medium emerge right from our own soil."
Witness the live painting performances by Charms Won and Totem2 at Red Bull's Lords of the Floor on April 6th at WaMu Theater. Secure your tickets now at RedBullLordsOfTheFloor.com.
This segment was first aired on Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle. See past episodes and segments at whereweconverge.com/back2besa and on the FOX Local app.
Click here to see more photos from the mural taken by Jordan Somers on behalf of Converge Media
