Liberty Plaza yarn bombed; responsibility claimed
A pole at Liberty Plaza on Thursday.
The phenomenon of "yarn bombs" —Â a good-natured sort of fiber graffiti —Â has hit the Ann Arbor Art Fairs.
Liberty Plaza, at Liberty and Division streets, today is livened up by a variety of colorful fiber pieces attached to various trees and poles in the park.
Responsibility for this act of artistry has been claimed by two "Yarnabombers" going by the names Buy Art and Cherry Luvbomb. In an email to AnnArbor.com, they explain that the "knit graffiti" concept aims to create "original knitted and crocheted artworks that are used to beautify public spaces as part of a covert scheme of world yarn domination."
In the note, they also claim responsibility for beautifying a former car dealership on Washtenaw near Huron Parkway, and trees at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.
"The REAL Public Art Fair is now in full flower at Liberty Plaza. The evening inhabitants of the park were very positive and encouraging about our efforts to enhance their environment with knit/crochet graffiti. Buy Art and Cherry Luvbomb had a great time late in the evening of July 21 'tagging' the park and hanging with some of Tree Town's most discriminating and appreciative art enthusiasts," the note continues.
"Our abiding philosophy is that these pieces are put out for public view and comment and our enjoyment and reward comes from the public as they pass by and respond with a smile. The very nature of public art is impermanence and possibly vandalism and removal. We remain anonymous because this yarn guerrilla activity is not about us, but about an act of minor civil disobedience aimed clearly at the funny bone."
Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.
Comments
Wystan Stevens
Fri, Jul 23, 2010 : 8:36 a.m.
So. Fleecing the public, at the wild and woolly Art Fairs?
Speechless
Fri, Jul 23, 2010 : 8:03 a.m.
In sympathy with the bombing victims, I will not contribute to this thread.
Chrysta Cherrie
Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 10:59 p.m.
Marshall, we think that posts like this capture the unique spirit of the Art Fairs. But just curious, what would you be interested in seeing in our Art Fairs coverage? Also, remember you can share your Art Fairs experiences with us for inclusion in our twice-daily "What fairgoers are seeing, saying online Thursday afternoon" posts.
yohan
Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 7:25 p.m.
I think the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission would say that this IS NOT GOOD PUBLIC ART for several reasons: It does not come from a foreign artist It is not funded by the expenditure of taxpayer's dollars It is not their idea and does nothing to fill their egos
Rod Johnson
Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 6:48 p.m.
Yeah, you newshounds, let's gets some hard-hitting muckraking going about this important event.
Marshall Applewhite
Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 6:33 p.m.
A2.com's Art Fair "coverage" has been very corny thus far.
Laiane
Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 5:34 p.m.
Knit graffiti? Two DPN's up from this knitter (instead of thumbs).
mrk
Thu, Jul 22, 2010 : 4:49 p.m.
I was wondering about the yarn on Washtenaw/Huron Parkway! I thought it was cool.