The Spovangelist loves Rainbows. We also love Collectives. What could possibly be more exciting than combining the two?
People “in the know” have had Spokane wheatpasting on the radar for quite sometime. Even the mainstream media has finally taken note. This week’s Photographer’s Eye calls for information about the mystery artist. What most tend to miss, however, is that this is the work of an entire underground network of people. We first identified the Rainbo Collective when one of our harmless hijinks was responded to with theirs.
Since that time we’ve become privvy to their methods, and we must admit we are MAJOR FANS. When asked about their motivation to alter their surroundings, the following were common themes (paraphrased):
We want street art with a sense of intrigue and humor. We want everyone who contributes to have a sense of ownership in the process, and we want to attract all types. From those who sprinkle stickers in random places to those who plot massive pastes in challenging locations. We want our projects to be about stickers, pop culture, wheat pastes, and color. Above all it’s about customization and creative design. Let’s make Spokane look happy! Personally, I do it because way too many people are bored. I think Spokane has lots of folks who want to do something out of the ordinary, something mischievous, yet easily accessible and fun.
Despite their popular recognition, the Rainbo Collective is looking to grow. People who want to act independently are encouraged to consider the Graffiti Research Lab for inspiration. Artists are challenged to tweak the Rainbo Collective logos and mail pictures of their brick and mortar work to: rainbocollective@gmail.com. Submissions will be posted on all Rainbo outlets, including the Flickr page. If you’re interested in large group efforts, send in your contact info and ideas. Existing concepts are to cover lights in rainbow colored celophane at night, and painting flash murals of various sorts.
Tags: Breaking Boundaries · Creative Culture · Local Art · Pretty Things · Shock Value8 Comments
8 responses so far ↓
I love the Rainbo Collective! I miss looking at Wayne Coyne on Stevens every week. I also really loved walking by the Lincoln statue all the time, and the Home Alone wheatpastes were awesome. Anyway, I get a little excited inside every time I see one. I haven’t seen the Diane Arbus one, though. The Peaceful Valley one isn’t there anymore.
You know what would be fun? A giant game of Graffiti Scavenger Hunt. Starts out with one photo of a piece of street art around town, and everyone in groups or by themselves drives, walks, bikes, or skateboards their way to it. At the location will be another photo of another piece of street art.. The game continues until you find the final location.
Or perhaps I am just tired, and this idea is crazy and half baked.
Hello, this is Gerik, creator of two of the pieces featured in the “the photographers eye” section in the Inlander. I am not associated with Rainbo Collective or any underground network of people. I am all for Rainbo Collective’s work and hope the best for them and other artist’s within the community. I really don’t see how people could confuse my work with yours, as all mine is signed and believe the feel of my work is quit different from yours. I’m not sure why you are trying to blur the lines between us or any individual artist or groups. Good luck in all you future ventures, and we’ll see you at the top of the world.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gerikasher/
Dear Gerik,
It’s poetic justice that we would both confuse each other for affiliates of Rainbo Collective. I found out minutes after posting this article that the cop + girl image was in fact NOT a Rainbo production.
What a pleasant surprise! In my mind the more innovative local artists in the area the better.
Thank you for the point of clarification and keep up the fabulous work!
After reading of a certain woman’s fondness for painting the town red, I started to ponder the implications of literally painting the town red. Perhaps it would be a 7-part effort starting with red and ending in violet.
Check out this hilarious Spokane Valley Insider guide to stereotyping teens based on their appearance:
“Is Your Child a Graffiti Vandal?”
Plllllllllllease!
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