Using 13 billboards along the city's downtown freeways, Olivier has replaced the usual advertisements with images of the urban landscape that would be visible if the billboard did not exist - the sky, trees, and buildings obstructed by the ads will now be "revealed.
As a native Houston I find that this instillation strikes numerous chords with me. To begin with, the idea that there is one less billboard in the world brings peace to my day. Also, the idea that the average commuter might notice these and maybe question these objects that have become part of everyday life.
As a side note the artist recieved major funding to pay for the advertising space. This only perpetuates the idea that these advertising companies will do anything for a buck, even if it is a direct critique of how their business models have lead to an over saturation of clutter throughout the city.
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NICE! HAVE YOU GONE AND PHOTOGRAPHED ANY OF THESE? IS THIS ARTIST FROM HOUSTON?
ReplyDeleteArtist is in residency here at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI had seen them up but didnt know what they were until i saw it on the news... even then they are hard to spot because they blend in so well. i get my camera back on the 6th of this week, so hopefully i will be able to.