Alleys & Ruins no. 91, Mutant (2006, St. Louis, MO, 11:45pm)
Alleys & Ruins no. 91, Mutant (2006, St. Louis, MO, 11:45pm)
In 1995, a two mile concrete wall along the St. Louis riverfront (flood gates for the Mississippi River) became the site of the country's largest graffiti competition: Paint Louis was born.
For the next few years graff artists came from around the country and the world to spray their talents. After the awards were handed out, these artists were eager to continue their craft. They fell upon the city in droves, paint cans in hand, and spray bombed every blank wall they could find. After three years and millions of dollars in property damage, the city had had enough and Paint Louis died a quick death.
Leaving behind a stunning and colorful legacy, it was just a matter of time before the event found life again. In 2012, two of the original Paint Louis committee members reconvened and invited a handful of artists to paint. With support from the City, the 2013 Paint Louis hosted 300 artists. The Guinness Book of World Records has named the wall the longest graffiti mural in the world.
And the city has made it a legal wall. Artists can paint here without fear of arrest, so they take their time and the result is an ever changing canvas of high quality art.
Paint Louis today is an annual global event that brings together people from all four elements of Hip hop: Graffiti, Breakdancing, Rapping and DJs. The Labor Day weekend event is three days of creation and performance.
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