Notable Vancouver Street Art & Graffiti 2023
This page has never done a year-end list before, but 2023 seemed like as good a time to start as any. It was a very visible year for street art in our city. Both in appreciation and in trying to remove it. From installations to wheat pastes, Vancouver has new people participating in making art in the public commons. Some of the projects challenge what you may think is public art, but all are interesting.
I’m not interested in ranking these works, because this page never tries to ascribe value or ratings to art. Nor am I going to attack anyone. Instead, it simply covers what’s going on. This list is the same. Several, but not all of these artists were interviewed for Stick. Sometimes, when a project gets too much attention it’s a challenge to get an interview. However, I’m very thankful to everyone willing to share their time and thoughts.
If I can leave you with one thought before the year is over, it’s that Vancouver, despite its problems, is an interesting and creative place. With people who want to make interesting art and share it with the world. It deserves to have a light shined on it.
Smokey D - Respect China Town
Perhaps no single person has done more for the positive image of graffiti in Vancouver than Smokey D. His work is a prolific and sombre reminder of lives lost and stories told in the Downtown Eastside. This year, his work was the subject of news stories and an upcoming documentary. The city even made March 11th “Smokey D Day.” And If you’re a student at Emily Carr you can take a class with him.
Junko - Phobia
Earlier this year a metal spider appeared under Broadway & Victoria Drive. It’s funny, maybe a bit scary, and definitely interesting. All good reasons it made the news and caused a sensation in the city. But when city officials said it would be removed, the city rallied behind the work. With its removal delayed the result is an iconic piece of work, rather than ending up in the dump. Perhaps we really can have nice things after all.
Tapeworm Corp - Confession Booth
Back in the spring, a confession booth made from development applications (a familiar sight around the city) showed up in Dude Chillin Park. The artist in question is a creative chaotic presence in the city and worth following, simply because it’s not clear what they’ll do next. But it’s always interesting.
Cameraman - Wheatpaste at Dunsmuir
The business district isn’t a spot where unsanctioned art lasts long. However, an artist who goes by cameraman has been placing a work that mirrors itself over and over in the same spot on Dunsmuir near Burrard. It’s going to be interesting to see how this progresses as the artist adds new layers.
RakeMob - Leaves
Can raking leaves be art? Rakemob answers the question simply, with stunning geometric shapes that recall zen sand gardens. The only difference? They’re only available for a short time in a park near you.
Astigmatic Surveyors Society - Wheatpastes
What’s striking about this work, is the reverence with which it portrays everyday objects in a surreal morning light. Camper vans, trailers and burnt-out trucks become objects of interest and instead of appearing on gallery walls, they are pasted on buildings around town.
Fuckit - Zombie Charles
Fuckit has been doing a lot lately. Wheatpastes, graffiti jams, and education efforts. Read the interview to hear about all the big ideas. And while one day we may see even bigger things, the piece that raised them to my attention, was a giant wheatpaste of a zombified King Charles.
Skid The Skunk - Tag
Skid is the brainchild of a local cartoonist and this simple but consistent hand style tag in the shape of a skunk is on surfaces all over the city. Almost every power transformer in Fairview/Mount Pleasant to be exact. Follow his Instagram for the adventures of Skid in a punk-style black-and-white comic.
Storm Brewing - Mural
This case highlights the debate about what is art and what is corporate art. It also showcases how much control the city has to police the things that frankly make our city interesting and unique. Thankfully, after an about city bylaw officers telling Storm Brewing to remove their iconic mural blew up, the city council put forward a motion that allowed them to keep it. Changes are being made to allow a distinction between art and advertising.
Sasquatch Army - Everywhere
Small, quiet, and everywhere. Sasquatch army is a Vancouver legend and an artist you’ll find on almost any corner of the city if you look.
Extra Credit
Slice of Life Gallery and Lucky’s Comics for being incubators and showcases for our city’s talented artists.
@Vancouverartblog for covering gallery shows and the brilliant fine artists in our city.
Councillor Peter Meiszner for sticking up for Phobia and the Storm Mural publicly.
Scout Magazine for being a food magazine that has some of the best local art coverage around.
You. Ya. You. Thanks for reading, liking and always helping me find out who an artist is, no matter how obscure the request.