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GRAFFTV produces podcast exploring Man One's early history as an LA graffiti artist
Man One recently made a captivating appearance on GraffTV's video podcast, sharing intriguing stories and insights into his illustrious career within the graffiti world. With his wealth of experience and innovative approach to urban art, Man One drew listeners in with vivid tales of his artistic journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his unique style. As a pioneer in the graffiti art scene, Man One's presence on the podcast provided an invaluable opportunity for fans and aspiring artists to glean inspiration and wisdom from his remarkable trajectory in the world of graffiti art.
Click below to watch the episode. Enjoy!
Art World Horror Stories: Man One and the Nightmare Mural [Not Real Art Podcast]
Click on the image to listen to the episode on Not Real Art Podcast!
“This is one of those stories where it just keeps getting worse and worse and worse,” says Man One, an LA-based illustrator, curator, and entrepreneur who’s been an active member of the art world for 20 years. “I'm going to forewarn you, this horror story gets worse!”
From racial slurs and defamation to vandalism and cease and desist letters, the project was plagued by obstacles from the start. “Every single day, some old person would stop by, yell at us, flip us off,” Man One says. “This [was] the least threatening mural that I have ever done in my life, and [I was] getting the most flak that I've ever received!” The project’s concept? A fun, colorful mural promoting the benefits of exercise and play for children in the neighborhood. “The first thing [this experience] did was open my eyes, not to be so naive about coming into a community [with a mural] and thinking that people are going to be on board just because it's a positive message.”
Today’s episode is peppered with unexpected surprises and a few life lessons from Man One himself. “Expect the unexpected,” he says. “As an artist, I always have to be aware that there's something that I'm not aware of. There's the unknown. There's something that I'm not seeing, but I’ve got to keep my ears and eyes open so that, when it shows up, I can address it, whatever it may be.”
With more twists and turns than an M. Night Shyamalan film, Man One’s horror story is one for the books. Tune into today’s episode for a dose of art-world dread.
While you listen to the podcast and for some much needed visual context, below are images from the mural Man One created in 2003 for the CDC’s VerbNow campaign.
How could such non-controversial imagery become such a crazy horror story??
It baffles the mind!
NOT REAL ART PODCAST
In case you haven't heard, I'm a officially a podcaster now!
NOT REAL ART is the name our show and I'm happy to be co-hosting it with my long time friend and collaborator, Scott “Sourdough” Power.
If you’re looking for a high brow art show streaming from an ivory tower, this ain't it.
But, if you prefer your culture served raw and unfiltered straight from the front-lines, NOT REAL ART is just for you! We are a pro-artist and anti-art-snob show. We celebrate artists as we call out the B.S. in the art world. We're having a great time recording these episodes (as you will hear) and we will start adding guests to the show very soon!
Most episodes are only 15-30 minutes long to make it easy to binge on.
So have a listen and please like, share and comment, we love to hear the feedback!
Photos by BIRDMAN
(Instagram @birdmanphotos)
