Graffiti Research Lab: Detained in Beijing

Artist / Designer / Human Being -- James Powderly was detained for expressing the freedom of speech. I think this comes at a time that almost seems to make more of a point then project might have, but it's hard to say since we didn't really get to see what he was up to. I've respected the GRL's work for awhile because it is not only innovative, but it really expands upon the definition of graffiti and its context. I think most people use it for expressing their name, and "gettting up" but few people use it as a pure performance art / talking point. Yes, yes, i know there is a lot of artist who do use graffiti in a positive light -- but let me not stray too far from the subject.
This is a time when everyone is looking upon Beijing for the olympics -- but i think in the weeks leading up to it, and throughout the event, it has been a big talking point about all the wrong happening in china. Although they've tried to paint the best picture of China as they can during these olympics -- it's issues like this that raise the moral and ethical issues that are happening there. I think this while sad, is a big step for the GRL, it is has magnified the voice being spoken.... i hope more people tune into events like this.

As for me -- back to work, it seems all i can post lately is tidbits from the news for this blog, i don't have much time to doodle lately, and i will continuously apologize for it ;)

[via boing boing: link]