As we draw closer to the new year we’ve asked a very special guest every day to take a moment to reflect on 2018 and to tell us about one photograph that best captures the year for them. It’s a box of treats to surprise you with every day – and conjure our hopes and wishes for 2019. This is our way of sharing the sweetness of the season and of saying ‘Thank You’ to you for inspiring us throughout the year.
Today’s special guest:
Doug Gillen, London-based Street Art scene documentor, commentator, lecturer, entertainer and host of his own program Fifth Wall TV (fifthwalltv.com).
The photo I’ve chosen is not street art but carries the composition, detail and expression of a renaissance painting and for me is unquestionably a piece of art. During intense clashes between the protestors of Gaza and the Israeli Defense Forces Mustafa Hassouna’s image of a shirtless man encapsulates the passion and weight of the fight they face on an almost daily basis.
The protestor, Abu Amro, takes his flag to the front line of the protests Monday to Friday every week, facing an opposition that is heavily armed, protected and extremely well funded. In the face of insurmountable odds he continues to stand his ground and fight. I believe in the face of the authoritarianism and bigotry that has ripped through the West this stands as a reminder that as we fight to make the world a better place, we do it knowing that we are not alone.
Location – Gaza, Occupied Palestine
Date – 22 October, 2018
Photographer – Mustafa Hassouna (copyright)
Other Articles You May Like from BSA:
Our weekly focus on the moving image and art in the streets. And other oddities. Now screening : 1. Ziggy and Sonni and the Spiders from Mars BSA Special Feature: Street Artist Sonni Animates I...
The Spanish Street Art illusionist Pejac is in Brooklyn for a hot minute and he has been knocking back bricks to create a reversed relief that catches the attention of people passing by. The wall is a...
The police here in Miami have taken over the Goldman family offices in the Wynwood district. Correction: Those would be the artists named The London Police and they are painting a new wall inside t...
Happy Holidays to all of you charming and sparkling BSA readers! It’s been a raucous sleigh ride with you and we thank everyone most sincerely for your support and participation this year. A sort o...
Beautiful weather here in Stavanger this week - perfect for riding bike all over to find artists walls and check out some hidden spots under bridges and abandoned lots. On a side note, this hotel ha...