(Another piece I had written for
Open Media Miami)
Whether talking about gentrification or “selling out” there’s always a fine line to be walked when it comes to transforming something with seemingly little value into something popular and marketable. Artists have always presented a good opportunity to examine this principle. You have countless examples to choose from of struggling/starving artists who make it big and then become a household name. The question is at what point do we stop congratulating the artist on being recognized for their talent and start berating them for leaving their values behind in order to make a quick buck? This argument is a perfect one to have while sitting at the Wynwood Walls because it so clearly presents both the pros and cons of each side. On one hand, the walls represent the epitome of “South Beach-ification”, the exploitation of something that was once pure (in spirit if not in appearance),
specifically for the sake of turning a profit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in no way arguing against making money; I’m totally for making money. I just think that when it comes to art or creative outlets in general, we need to make every effort to preserve the spirit that initially spurred the conception.
