In Graffiti Alley to be more specific.
Recently, a few pasteups have appeared in Graffiti Alley that are either text based or have a lot of words written on them.
One series consists of posters with sayings credited to A.J. Maldo whose instagram page calls the work “Poetry for the Mind, Body, Soul”. You’ll find many more of these positive messages if you follow the instagram link. I saw three in Graffiti Alley yesterday.
“A simple notion to reveal an ocean, without commotion, you can swim in stride if only you tried, even in times of waves, be confident, you have what it takes.”
.
“Dig in deep where beauty grows, see in you where the magic rose, your soul is at stake, no time to waste, choose your fate, inside it waits.”
.
“It’s not easy realizing that you’re the one who has been holding you back this entire time.”
The next paste-up, seen up high on a wood utility pole, is by hnr_hnr (aka Henrique Nobrega from Brazil). You probably recognize the girl in the picture. I am not sure what the words say but the text starts with “girl” and ends with “half woman”. A lot of Nobrega’s paintings and stickers involve words.
below: The woman and the text/symbols below her are both by Nobrega. The words talk about ups and downs and enjoying the ride in this cosmic world.
And last is this hand written note, a poem. By ending with this one, I am ending on a down note but c’est la vie, swim in stride, it’s all part of the ride.
A Thought without Warmth
More powerful a trauma
a wound of fright
Most and all the sadness
in the darkness with
no light
To be alone
alone in the night
[a drawing of an open book of paper matches]
***
I am me!
as I walk Toronto 