Graffiti is an expressive art form; one that breaks conventional boundaries of art and transcends the limitations put on artists. Director/writer duo Kay Gallivan and Zsofin Sheey’s new film 100 Layers of Beige explores the discrimination experienced by graffiti artists in and around Victoria, B.C.
They interview graffiti writers and residents who felt that their voices were silenced when the city started policing Victoria’s Trackside Gallery. The documentary superbly highlights the authoritative nature of the elitists that alienated the artists, particularly in Esquimalt, B.C. The writers also criticize trivializing of the space by plastering murals on the wall that conform to certain idealistic perception of what is art. Residents disapprove of the illegalization of the expression that has been used to break away from societal prejudices since its inception. They also interviewed the former director of Parks and Recreation, David Speed, who was part of the organization that helped erase the movement from the Trackside Gallery. The residents against graffiti are also interviewed to present a full picture for audience that takes into account both sides of the community. The documentary does a good job keeping the audience’s interest and exploring the issue in-depth in under 20 minutes. It is a raw video that portrays Canadian opinions about art in an interesting way.
The interviewees range from artists, residents, youth worker, and organizers to art critics. The video shows what graffiti means to the people of Esquimalt. There were some parts that were unnecessary and I thought those portions could have been edited out. Like parts where one interviewees is gently bickering with his toddler. However, those parts did help focus on the humanness of the interviewees and how the issue affects every part of the community. Also, I wished the video allowed its audience to admire the art properly. The photography did not focus on the graffiti very long, but instead would constantly cut from one scene to the next. The focal point was very sporadic and did not allow for a true appreciation of the walls and what was lost. Despite the policing of tagging and the tragedy that resulted from the patrolling, the artists are still hopeful. They explain that graffiti cannot be stopped and will just be channeled through other venues. (Faria Jafri)
Check out the film’s trailer: http://zsofinsheehy.com/portfolio/100layers/