I know, I know, I’m about one week late on the Art In The Streets at MOCA coverage.  I’ll be honest with you… I forgot all about the opening night.  Big mistake by me because the lighting was fantastic for the press showing.

As I went through it, my first impression is “Why did I pay $5 (student discount) to look at something I see everyday growing up?”  And I’m pretty sure you probably felt or will feel the same way when seeing this exhibit for the first time.  You just got to bypass your prejudice and appreciate the influences of street art on display.

In my personal opinion,  Lee Quinones killed it!  He best summed up the idea of the graffiti art.  It’s not about the admiration of graffiti we are accustomed too, but the influence that inspires people to draw on walls.   Look at me getting all artsy feely.

Quninones (first three pictures) was my favorite.

Swoon’s paper cut-out was amazingly BAD ASS!  You like how I pumped up the word bad ass?  There was so much detail in that little display, you have to be there to see the whole thing to really appreciate it.

And there was the usual Shepard Fairey and Banksy.  I have nothing against them.  What I do like is Banksy’s reinterpretation of the Rodney King beating.  The only difference between this and the real beating is rather than candy coming out,… it was blood…. zing?

And here are a couple favorites of mine.  Again, I deeply regret not attending the press entrance.  These pictures would be 10 times more awesome if I got some better lighting.  Also, messages to all hipsters.  Just because your hair looks silly doesn’t make you a hipster….. it’s all about the socks!

Also if you get the chance, check out Martha Cooper Remix.  Many of Martha Cooper’s famous graffiti photos are reimagined.  Hypebeast also has some more photos taken by Brandon Shigeta from the press event.