Germany 1989

This stencil was made by Jef Aerosol on a metal door in Germany. Here Aerosol draws on the cultural associations of street art, which developed in the late 20th century as a form of political expression that existed outside of traditional art institutions. Aerosol presents two anonymous figures, who are falling, escaping, or even dancing! They are placed near arrows, hinting at direction and movement. Below, we see black and white checks reminiscent of the ska and 2 Tone music scenes, subcultures defined by anti-racist politics. Aerosol uses the city as a canvas, bypassing the authority of museums and galleries. This challenges traditional institutions. The decaying metal door hints at the transient nature of urban life, and perhaps alludes to the gritty social realities Aerosol seeks to represent. Understanding this art involves exploring the history of graffiti, post-punk subcultures, and the politics of urban space. We should ask, what does it mean to make art outside of established institutions? What kind of social critique does this afford the artist?