Street Level
by Cheri Randolph
Title
Street Level
Artist
Cheri Randolph
Medium
Photograph
Description
While visiting Bucharest, Romania, I noticed this intriguing graffiti of a small child seeming to stare directly at the viewer, and his surroundings, with a perplexed expression. I shared his feeling of dismay as I walked around the City that once must have been quite lovely, but now seems to be suffering from crumbling architecture. Even though there is a large central green space providing a park for residents, I can only imagine the depressing view that a small child would have while walking around the City. It would be similar to that seen by this confused child in the graffiti painting.
Its architecture is a mix of historical (neo-classical), interbellum (Bauhaus and Art Deco), Communist-era and modern. In the period between the two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of "Little Paris". Although buildings and districts in the historic city centre were heavily damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes, and above all Ceaușescu's program of systematization.
During the second half of the 19th century the city's population increased dramatically, and a new period of urban development began. During this period, gas lighting, horse-drawn trams and limited electrification were introduced. The Damboviţa river was also massively channelled in 1883, thus putting a stop to previously endemic floods. The extravagant architecture and cosmopolitan high culture of this period won Bucharest the nickname of "Little Paris" of the east, with Calea Victoriei as its Champs-Elysees.
A major part of Bucharest's architecture is made up of buildings constructed during the Communist era replacing the historical architecture with high density apartment blocks. Significant portions of the historic center of Bucharest were demolished in order to construct one of the largest buildings in the world, the Palace of the Parliament (then officially called the House of the Republic). In Nicolae Ceaușescu's project of systematization new buildings were built in previously-historical areas, which were razed and then built upon.
Uploaded
April 8th, 2013
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Viewed 215 Times - Last Visitor from Wilmington, DE on 04/15/2024 at 3:01 PM
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Comments (8)
Darla Wood
Cheri, this image draws me in and provokes my thoughts. The description was a very interesting read! Makes me think of the artist and the circumstances of his/her life to create this image for public display! Fantastic capture and my CAT for MOUSE pick!
Cheri Randolph replied:
Darla, my thanks for making this your selection in the group today. I'm complimented that you noticed this and understood the message. It is one of the most meaningful graffiti art examples that I've seen.
Cheri Randolph
Barbara, Thanks for featuring "Street Level" in the M.O.U.S.E. Group. I really appreciate your support!
Cheri Randolph
Barbara, Thanks for giving "Street Level" a featured position in the Old Buildings & Ruins Group. I appreciate the promotion!
Kristie Bonnewell
Terrific find and capture!
Cheri Randolph replied:
Kristie, Thanks! It's a departure from my usual comfort zone, but seemed to have much to say.
Donna Brown
Great photo Cheri.
Cheri Randolph replied:
Donna, Thanks for noticing this one. It was one of the most intriguing pieces of graffiti art that I've seen. I uploaded it to enter in the Graffiti Contest now on FAA. Appreciate your feedback.
Paul Lovering
Lovelovelove urban street art , Lovelovelove your Fab photography Cheri
Cheri Randolph replied:
Paul, Thanks for noticing this one so quickly! I'm complimented that you like it and appreciate your feedback on this and my photography in general.
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