Night in the life of prolific graffiti writer and vandal ERCHER
Much is said about graffiti in our city but we don't often get to hear from the people doing it. What drives them and what the culture represents. Mustard Flats went for a ride along with one of Canberra’s most prolific writers ERCHER to find out why he does what he does.
Love it or hate it graffiti is embedded in the fabric of every city and Canberra is no exception. It reflects the underbelly of our culture and contributes to so many aspects of our lives whether you notice it or not.
It’s a practice that’s in your face, the audience is forced to see it so understandably it has its champions and its detractors.
“I’m on the put the graffiti up team and they’re on the take the graffiti down team. So we’re not on the same f**king team....But how do I gauge that? F**k them. ”
Some say it brings life to the shadows, highlights inequality and democratises art so that it’s accessible to anyone. No need for the keys to gated institutions or access to studios and facilities.
While it’s for the people it is also inherently about damage and destruction, much of the appeal for those die hard practitioners. Many say it contributes to crumbling infrastructure, costs taxpayers and leads to a life of escalating crime. bringing down the communities in which it exists. Lots would argue it’s quite the opposite.
There is no denying the dedication, passion and drive that writers have to get their name up and seen. Due to the nature and legality of the activity media reports are often not able to hear from the artists themselves. This is an insight into one of those voices and we thank ERCHER for sharing his story.
“I’m not the only one. People f**king live, breathe and will fkn die for it. bro. Like sleepless nights. Walking around Canberra all night long. ”
For ERCHER it falls somewhere in the middle btw art and vandalism. It’s still considered and there is a pride in the work, combined with the rush and adrenaline of its illegal nature. He’s not an ‘artist’ or a ‘painter’ but he still manages to find the art in graffiti.
Mustard Flats believes it’s important to record and document all aspects of culture to understand the real stories of the people that live here. We want to capture the history of Canberra’ arts regardless of social standing, background or beliefs. We want to explore things outside of what is an ‘acceptable form’ and tell their stories to understand where they come from. This is happening and we cover things that happen in the city. Documentary journalism.
“I’ve had a shit life at points, I’ve had a great life at points. Graffiti has always been there. Always. ”
For the active writers it can be the very thing keeping them going and dealing with life and its challenges.
We do not condone or encourage, vandalise property damage or dangerous acts. Do not attempt.
Thank you to ERCHER for sharing his time and story. Visit @2Late2BackoutNow
