RedGage

The graffiti of public places without permission is illegal! Regardless of your perspective on whether the practice is art or filth this is ultimately and unavoidably true. This however does not deter those passionate from both camps to argue that graffiti is either ‘blight on social space’ or ‘an artistic expression, benefiting the environment’. In recent years however a new form of graffiti has allowed for primarily nocturnal artists to leave their stamp on cities or landmarks without leaving a drip of paint and risking the night a cell. Light graffiti, arguably the electro future of street art, is becoming more and more popular, just Google ‘Light Graffiti’ and you will become inundated with the most amazing creations that leave you wondering, “How the hell did they achieve that?” I'm talking huge dinosaurs, sea monsters and aliens.

At bonfire night have you ever written your name in the air with a sparkler, the bright light seemingly writing for a split second? The theory is exactly the same.

Although it does look quite technical, with the right camera it’s a relatively simple principle. All you need is a camera that allows for an increased exposure time (5-8+ seconds) a tripod and a torch.

The tripod holds the camera still and the camera opens the lens allowing light to enter, whilst everything else remains still like a normal photo you can move around with the torch leaving a trail as you ‘write’. If you move fast enough and especially when it’s dark your body shouldn’t show up. To achieve something great really takes time, trial and error, as you can see from my attempts.

I think that it’s a tad optimistic to think that light graffiti could replace paint, but at least it is an alternative for those who like to express their selves without the risk.

In my opinion light graffiti is the future! It allows for artists to tap the fourth dimension of art as it requires no 2D surface and can be demonstrated legally anywhere that cameras are allowed – The Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building or Big Ben, something that paint graffiti could never legally achieve. Please share your experiences or thoughts on light graffiti with a comment

Like this post? Check out my article “Steel City Street Art”