Welcome to Oblivious Reality; True stories and thoughts, written by an average kid.

What is Guerilla Art?

Guerilla Art is a specific style of art. It's a bit different from those you'd normally see.
Guerilla Art is any work done anonymously in public places, performed, installed, etc. with the purpose of trying to reach out to others and effect them in a thoughtful and creative way.
Anyone can try Guerilla Art; it's absolutely free! :)
All you need is to be clever, imaginative and sneaky. It's a way to voice your opinion and make others see things your way, so Guerilla Art helps provoke misjudgment towards others and other's opinions on things. It can be anything from graffiti on the walls to a movement of voices.

It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look. To affect the quality of the day- that is the highest of arts.


All information on Guerilla Art is courtesy of Guerilla Art Kit by Keri Smith.

Your inner Guerilla Artist

First things first, you must have a motive to become a Guerilla Artist.
Think for a second: What are some things in the world you want to change? What are things you want other people to know?
There are three general approaches to Guerilla Art that include...
  • Beautifying ; altering your surroundings
  • questioning ; using your voice, challenging the status quo
  • interacting ; with the enviornment or people.

Once you have an idea, or even a few main ideas that you'd like to reach across to the world through your creativity and imagination, you are ready to go out and paint the world!
You could draw with chalk on public places, post flyers or stick little messages somewhere where people wouldn't expect to find them, like a library book or some pants at the mall.
As long as your motives are positive or thoughtful towards others, and as long as you be sneaky and clever, anything goes!

A few tricks to use...

Every once and a while I'll change some tricks or fun things you can do in your community to help get your message[s] across. :)
Note that some of these things may be considered "illegal," so be careful and try to be nondestructive and environmentally friendly!
Things you'll need:
  • Clothing that doesn't stand out
  • Small toolkit
  • Gloves
  • Paint, wheat paste, brushes

Things to look out for:
  • Signs that say "no bills" or "post no bills"
  • Security Cameras
  • Police

Seed bombs ; Guerilla art example number one

Seed bombs are somewhat like little balls of seeds and things that can be used to add life to an area filled with dulness.
You can grow flowers, food (make sure the land isn't toxic), or other greenery! These are easy to make, and they can be put anywhere!
Just make sure that wherever you put them, there is accessible sunlight, rainfall, and some dirt.
Materials:

  • Mixed seeds (always use native seeds)
  • compost
  • Powdered red or brown clay (you can find some dried patches in a nearby creek, or order terrracotta clay from ceramic supply companies)

Directions:

Step one: Combine two parts mixed seeds with 3 parts compost.
Step two: Stir in five parts powered red or brown clay
Step three: Moisted with water until mixture is damp enough to mold into balls
Step four Pinch off a penny-sized piece of the clay mixture and roll it between the palms of your hands until it forms a tight ball (1 inch in diameter)
Step five: Set the balls on newspaper and allow to dry for 24-48 hours. Store in a cool dry place until ready to sow.

Now find a dull, colorless place to plant them, leave them be and watch the gray areas in your town burst with color! :)