the new art

More than any other area in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter demonstrates the continuing evolution of art in modern cities. Juxtaposed against a backdrop of floral iron work and holy stone statues, graffiti stands out not only in conflict with the old world, but also as a complement. Where in some areas the two worlds exist in harmony, in others, graffiti is directly responsible for the erosion of ancient decoration. The center column of my piece is an amalgamation of stone and metal workings from the old world--a storm drain with a classical coat of arms, a lion door knocker, and a stacked column from the outside of a church. The images flanking the column are various pieces of urban artwork. Some of them, like the ones on the top right and left corners, stand out because they are commenting on social issues in the city. The rest of the images are used as a more colorful way to advertise businesses on garage doors--a new way of communicating with locals and tourists instead of the much older iron-wrought signs.