Analyze a mural in the Mission District of SF

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For this assignment you will examine a single mural or piece of street art within the Mission District in San Francisco and situate it within the context of our class — that is, contemporary art in the Americas. Some questions to consider: What is the subject of the piece, and how is its content related to its form? Who are its audiences? How does the piece recall earlier moments in the art histories we have studied? What movements/political debates/local situations does it seem to refer to? And how does the broader context of its location inflect your reading of it? Pay attention to where the piece is situated in space; i.e. adjacent murals, what else is around it, what graffiti might be on top of it, who is walking by it, etc. Focus on concrete formal details (scale, color, perspective, brushwork, etc.), as well as on the content of the work, and put these in dialogue with other works and issues we have studied. You might consider, for instance, questions of public space, site-specificity, “visual education,” etc. In many cases you might not know who the artist is, as many murals are anonymous/unsigned. You are writing, in essence, a critical analysis of a single piece of mural/street art. Avoid broad, sweeping, generalizing statements. Instead, have a thesis statement in which you articulate your stance about the work from the perspective of someone who is well-versed in contemporary art history (which, by now, you are!). You must REFER to at least three pieces of art we have looked at together in this class to compare/contrast with your chosen Mission District piece, and you must meaningfully CITE at least three of the readings from class—readings should be footnoted in the proper footnote style, like this.[1] Some resources for you: take BART to 24th street station and then walk from there to various sites. Walking is the easiest way to get around the Mission — I urge you to explore and wander. There are a lot of murals in and around Balmy Alley (off 24th street), as well as Clarion Alley (off Valencia). Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitor Center, 2891 24th Street (at Harrison) — they offer walking tours of some of the Mission District murals and you can also get a “mural map” there. Galería de la Raza is also a good resource. 2857 24th Street (at Bryant) Street art changes constantly!! If you go scout out locations, be aware that your favorite piece might not be there the next time you go back. Be sure to document your piece, and submit photo printout (preferably in color), so your GSI can refer to it as they grade your paper. [1] María Reyes, How to Make a Footnote (New York: Invented Press, 2013), p. 12.