Ghent street artist creates a stir in New York

The Ghent street artist known as ROA is well known in Belgium for his depictions of animals – often less than cute ones, such as rats and crows – on sides of buildings. Often playful, such as a pig appearing to sleep under a window or a prehistoric-looking bird emerging from a hole in a brick wall, ROA’s work is instantly recognisable and highly respected in the world of graffiti art. He has been asked to take part in public initiatives around Europe.

But in Rochester, New York, some residents are not so impressed. ROA’s painting of two bears on the side of a building, part of a local street art project called “Wall Therapy”, has caused controversy among local residents since its premiere earlier this month. “It’s not something we feel this neighbourhood deserves,” said a woman who lives in the same street as the mural. “It definitely has sexual overtones.” Another passer-by said she thought it more resembled a mama and baby bear.

The city of Rochester, meanwhile, has decided to leave the fate of ROA’s bears to the discretion of the owner of the building, who refused to comment and has left the painting alone. As for ROA, he is naturally delighted. “People stop, look and talk to each other about it,” a friend of the reclusive artist told a local news outlet. “That’s what art is all about, right?”

After Rochester, ROA moved on to create work in New York City and Chicago, where he had also been invited to take part in a street art project.

Lisa Bradshaw

(August 22, 2012)