The Daily Gist: With Ben Istiphan

Cultural Jamming; Graffiti not for the sake of Graffiti, but for a legitimate cause and message. Regardless of their intentions, cultural jammers are too often chastised for their artistic expressions. Not only are they deemed criminals by the upper echelons of the State, but they are also ridiculed within the various facets of society. Where are the sympathizers who encourage the actions of these unique individuals? For the most part, they cease to exist. The reason for this is because in the perspective of the audience, the art has no artist. The artist is detached and isolated from his or her’s artistic expression. The artist remains anonymous in fear of being persecuted, but by doing so, they are unable to garner the support that they deserve. Take for example a musician who has produced a piece a music that has been objectively rated as mediocre. Despite the mediocrity, an avid supportor of that musican may value the piece simply because of who that musician is.