Excerpted
from graf/AK, photography by Fraser
Munro, Beatnik Publishing, 2012.
Publisher’s
Note
For me, graf/AK is as much about the skill of
Fraser Munro as it is about that of the featured graffiti artists and writers.
Fraser is terribly modest about it, but I can see and appreciate the time and
effort that went into capturing these brilliant images. It’s not a simple
matter of holding up the camera, facing the wall and clicking. He has
considered the light sources, time of day, composition, environment, colour and
the messages in the work. Where it makes sense to give the graffiti pieces
their context, he opens up the space, widens the lens, and shows us their
surroundings. When he wants us to concentrate on the devilish details, he
closes in.
By giving
them context, Fraser has given the amazing vibrant artworks a story that leaves
the viewer more curious and intrigued. Many Beatnik visitors have come into our
studios, picked up Fraser’s project portfolio and become lost in a world of
captured light and colour. graf/AK is
a book that reveals something new every time you sit down with it.
First and
foremost, graf/AK is a catalogue of
admiration. Fraser’s photography documents the constant evolution of Auckland’s
world-renowned graffiti walls and their artists’ internationally-lauded
innovative styles. Many of the artists whose names you see in this book are
feted in Florida, New York and Los Angeles and further afield – and the
photographs here show why. graf/AK is
a celebration of the creativity Auckland has to offer and we’re
grateful to
Fraser for bringing this project to Beatnik, and proud to take it to the world.
Thanks to
all the clever people who have been involved in graf/AK. No book project is straight-forward and this one has been
no exception. Special
thanks to the team - George Mitchell, Ande Kuric, Blake
Wood, Kitki Tong, Jenny Thompson and Janet McAllister - for the time and energy
you have given to the publication and Beatnik.
1 comment:
Thank you for the post Graham! We will be officially launching graf/AK on December 12th, 6 - 9pm at Beatnik (11 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland). Please join us.
RSVP here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/436180836444616/ or by email: events (at) beatnikpublishing.com
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