En Masse

On By ResaIn Alley Gallery, Murals

Graffiti Alley is changing.

Old buildings are being torn down. New ones are going up.

Still, it seems to be embracing street art, but will the hardcore graffiti disappear?

This En Masse mural is in the parking entrance to a new building.

Above, a Poser Bunny welcomes us. Poser’s Bunnies go way back, and are an old fave of mine.

Lots to cover in this one. Here are some of my faves.

The ceiling is a work of craziness.

I put the rest in a slideshow for my hardcore street art pals.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pics taken by Resa – March 28, 2023

Toronto, Canada

The Artists: Birdo, Poser, Ness Lee, Blackburn & more

There was a second floor of fun mayhem, but I couldn’t get up there, yet.

111 thoughts on “En Masse”

  3. That is the coolest! I cannot decide which part I like the best so it gets my whole thumbs up!
    And you’ve reminded me I need to go back on the Main (St. Lawrence Blvd.) because I captured one such (smaller version) black and white from across the street. I wasn’t alone and I didn’t want to be quite the pain I can be 😉

    1. I wonder if the one you haven’t finished capturing is the same or some of the same artists. They get around.
      TIP: The trick to taking pics of murals on busy streets is to not get hit by a car! x⚡️💥o

      1. I wondered the same thing. I tried to zoom in with my picture but it’s hard to tell. Guess I’ll just have to go back out there 😉
        Yes. I was more than willing, but like I said, I was not alone so I refrained 😉 xo🧚‍♀️🌟xo

        1. Crazy!
          I always go alone on my walks. I tried walking with other people, but the only person who gets my need to stop and take pics is my niece. She lives in Winnipeg….so….
          Uch, I have a day today to go for a walk, but I can’t.
          The wild forest fire smoke is blowing into Toronto today. I can smell it & see it. It’s sunny out, but there is an even grey haze covering the sky.
          Thunder, I’ve never seen this, in all my many years living in Toronto.
          There’s an air quality warning today – worst air quality ever recorded here.
          They say particles of the burn so small they can’t be seen by the naked eye WILL go into our lungs, causing illness.
          WTF!
          The planet is burning down, and it’s humans’ fault. Corps and Governments have helped most keep blinders in place.
          I find it interesting 🙄 that 15% of the planet’s fresh water is in Ontario. We have over 250,000 lakes here, but still the place is burning down.
          xoxoxo

          1. It is. I just happened to see it when we were touring Montreal with Marc and a couple of my friends. When I go on exploratory walks, I go alone Or with my friend who was with us – we will go on photo ops, but that is different!
            I have the weather app on my phone and it shows the air quality of Montreal as poor, yet where I live, it’s good. I would hate to be in Ottawa right now – the air quality there is the worst in the country.
            I will definitely check before I dare to go run tomorrow morning, that is for sure!
            The planet really is burning! It’s crazy.
            xoxoxo

            1. Egads! Don’t run in the scum!
              Even if we can’t see it, it’s there.
              Just checked. Wind will be coming from the north for 2 more days. Friday from the south.
              So, maybe a short walk on Friday, which is my next opportunity, anyway.
              LOL! It’s not enough we have to plan around extreme heat and cold, sleet, blizzards, rain, fog, severe winds, blazing sun and locusts (🤔). Now we add smoke to the considerations!
              x⚡️💥o

              1. No worries. I will check the air quality before hand!
                Honestly. The weather has become extremist on all levels!
                xo🧚‍♀️🌟xo

          2. Oh yeah, and yesterday, I left the office and I could smell the smoke. Kept my car windows closed and could still smell it in my home town. I had dinner with a friend and we took a walk after, to walk off the wine 😉 , and it didn’t seem too bad by then.

  4. That really is crazy! So much happening in there! I think I recognize Birdo. What is amazing is how beautifully everything blends together!
    Wow, dahling, what a find!
    Love and hugs your way and lots of tail wags and kisses from Hera!
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Birdo is easy to spot. He paints birds, a lot. His style is unique. He is by no means limited, though. He might be lead artist on this one.
      This was painted while the place was fenced off by ongoing construction. I had to keep returning!
      Well, seems about. time to find another Hera mural!
      xoxo🧽xoxo🧽xoxo🧽xoxo🧽xoxo🧽xoxo🧽xoxo🧽xoxo🧽xoxo🧽xoxo🧽

      1. I feel the earth moving from the tail wags!!!!!
        🤣🐾😘🤣🐾😘🤣🐾😘🤣🐾😘🤣🐾😘
        ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🐾❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  5. It is sad that old buildings are being torn down but I suppose we can look at new buildings as possible “blank canvasses” for future art….and we are lucky to have individuals like yourself that photograph the “lost masterpieces” so they are never forgotten. So thanks and please keep up the hard work.
    Regards this batch of pictures U have to say that raccoon has a strong resemblance to one named Oreo (Oreo was the real life raccoon that was used as the inspiration/body double for Rocket the Raccoon that appeared in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies).

    1. Blank canvases… maybe in 50 – 100 years, when they are old and weathered and ugly. This one particular alley could be the exception.
      The raccoon could be Oreo /Rocket the Raccoon . Many graffiti artists are into cartoons, big time.
      Hey, are you into the series “The Rings of Power”?

      1. Hi Resa, no I’m afraid I haven’t seen “The Rings of Power” yet. Anything that is on Amazon, Disney+, Apple or any streaming service I probably won’t have seen as I can’t afford them. I just have a basic cable (which I got bundled with my internet connection!).

    1. I did study it for hours.
      I walked by it at least 5/6 times while it was being painted. Every time, I spent time observing. I haven’t seen much of the second floor though!

    1. Agree, a comic book feel & more!

      Birdo’s work is global now. It could very well be yo saw some of his work in San Francisco.
      Take pics!!!

  10. Resa – you have given me much to think about re: street art vs graffiti. I recognize that street art has become increasingly popular in recent years, with cities around the world embracing this form of artistic expression. However, you asked a very good question: Will this newfound acceptance of street art lead to the disappearance of hardcore graffiti? I feel that I have found a rabbit hole to explore. Thank you for the fabulous photos.

    1. Rebecca!
      I really do get behind with comments! Apologies.
      I’ve been spending evenings sewing, in an attempt to finish the new Art Gown. She’s taking forever, but it has to fit Charlotte. So, lots of thinking and trouble shooting.

      It is an interesting question, re: street art/graffiti.
      There is another new building near this one. It has a similar carpark entrance.
      Instead of a mural, it is filled in with regular graffiti tags. Or at least it looks like taggers had their way with it.
      Still, I’m not convinced it’s sincere graffiti.
      Part of me thought…. ah, the owners paid graf artists and taggers s to do their thing. It’s a look, you know.
      I’ve seen a lot of hardcore graffiti over the last 12 years. I’m suspicious.
      If it gets painted over, or a mural appears, it’s sincere. I’ll let you know.

      It’s like the witch’s test from the middle ages.

      You put lots of cans of spray paint in 4 large sacks. The sacks are tied to the ankles of the suspected hardcore graffiti artist. Toss it in a lake.
      Wait!
      If the artist surfaces, he’s a hardcore graffiti tagger.
      If he does not surface, he was an innocent mural artist all along.

      1. I LOVE your comments, which are full of humour and great insight, Resa. I never feel that you are behind in your comments. Your analogy to the witch’s chant rings true, although I laughed out loud when I read that idea. Real graffiti is often seen as a form of vandalism, where individuals illegally spray paint or use markers to leave their mark on public or private property. But I think the definition has transitioned over time.

        I like Banksy’s take when he says: “People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish…but that’s only if it’s done properly.”

  12. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    That is a fantastic mural. Is that raccoon from the spacey movie? I love the slide show.

    1. I walked by for about a month before it was done & I got tot ake pics. I don’t know where the racoon is from, but it’s a beauty.
      So happy you can see the slide show! Gigi can’t see it. WP. Go figure! xx

          1. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

            They don’t always work in my reader. They might not work on your site if javascript is turned off in the viewr’s browser. I think those slide shows are generated using javascript.

    1. Love “Rush”!
      Did I already tell you my N. bought Rush’s mixing board? They only used it for 1 album, I believe. It was near the end.
      Anyway, it’s signed by all. the members of “Rush”.

      1. I remember you mentioning that, Resa! What a fabulous keepsake!!! Do you know which album? I know the last one was 2012’s terrific “Clockwork Angels,” which I have in CD.

        1. AH! I checked. N bought the analog mixer in 2001. Things went digital after that, and so did Rush.
          N went digital several years after he bought it.
          It was new, only used on 1 or 2 albums…so “Test for Echo” would be the studio album. “Different Stages” was a live album, but the mixer could have played a part in post.

            1. Yes, it is quite the souvenir!
              Lol! One could say…an albatross of a souvenir.
              The size of recording equipment went from ⬛️⬛️⬛️ to ▪️ when analog went digital.
              The need to actually play an instrument has become moot.
              As a result, I love live music more than ever.
              I could banter on, but I know, you know what I mean. 🙂🙂

  15. Video doesn’t play, just black square. Is that Rocket in the mix. Love him and the entire thing is fabulous. So very, very cool. I hope street art NEVER goes away. This is such a great post, Resa. Re-blogging it.

    1. So crazy about the black square. It’s actually a slideshow. Others can see it. Not sure why you can’t.
      Rocket, could be. The artists love cartoon characters. It’s a wild and crazy mural. I’m thrilled to get to see every time I go to the alley! xo

  17. I think this is the most unusual wall art I’ve seen. Very fascinating! You pose a good question re Harding the future of wall art. Time will tell ! Great shots Meece.
    xoxoxo

    1. It is fascinating. It’s wild, crazy and lots of fun. One day I will archive this blog. In the meantime, ONLY 32 posts until Boogapony hosts GLAM’s 1500 posts Gala!

      AND… the band came early this week. They roared last night. SO, instead of finishing the drawing I sent you already (will finish it later), I started a new one.
      I’m lovin’ it! Will send a progress pic in an hour or so.
      xoxoxo

      1. The sketches are beautiful. You’re an amazing artist. I hope you’re staying indoors and not breathing the air pollution, hoping it goes away really quick 😷🤿 !
        Thinking about you xoxoxo

        1. It stinks like fire and ash outside.
          It was too dangerous to go for a walk.
          I’m stunned. There are over 250,000 lakes in Ontario. 1/5th of the entire planets fresh water supply, yet the forests are burning down. I’m sick thinking about the animals. I hope they all ran into the lakes.
          Adore you!
          xoxoxo

            1. 2 more days of wind blowing from the north. No going outside. The air quality here is the worst in Toronto’s recorded history.
              Then we have 1 day where it blows from the south.

              What scares me is that summer doesn’t start for 2 weeks.
              😢🌲🌳😢

              1. It’s a terrible situation, I’ve never heard of anything like this. It’s hurricane season here from June through December. I didn’t use to worry that much but they have gotten so much worse. Climate change. 🤗

        2. On a happier note, – should I put a stocking on her leg? Like the ones I sent?
          Okay, I’m going to go draw now!
          Tomorrow night – it’s back to sewing!
          xoxoxo

  19. Street art is akin to humanity stretching its rebellious legs in the most creatively beautiful of ways. It’s that flower that pushes its way through the concrete. It’s music that breaks the monotony of our every day lives as you wait for a bus or a train.

    Progress can never replace the soul.

    1. True enough!
      I was going out (walking for a couple of hours) to get more of that soul art in the street today, but am forced to stay inside due to the wild fires’ smoke hitting Toronto today.
      Worst air quality ever recorded here.
      Okay, love ya, and I go do my art now!
      MUAH!

        1. Will do! I’m staying inside. I need to make a break for the bank tomorrow. They say we should wear N95 masks if we go out!
          Hey… just seeing on tv…trump is charged with 7 counts!
          I’m gonna go make tea, sew and watch!
          MUAH!

          1. Good, wear the mask and stay inside best you can.

            As for Trump, it won’t deter his run. He can and will run in spite of the indictment and his followers will remain loyal. This is going to be a crazy year and a half!

            MUAH!

  20. Such a cool area–the section you photographed and the colored art beyond.
    Great job with the photographing. I like the reflections in eyes and glasses.
    I hope they can keep at least some of it.

    1. I like the eye lots, too!
      I love that area! It’s called Graffiti Alley. It’s become somewhat of a tourist attraction. It’ s about a mile of alleys and side lanes, if you stretched them into 1 long walk.
      Every once in a while I’ve taken pics of portions of the alleys and lanes.
      I should record what’s left before it’s too late!

  21. I love that last photo of the people studying the graffiti and pointing. That’s exactly what it’s about! This is a wild mural – there’s so much to see! A great find, Resa. I look forward to seeing what’s up top!

    1. Yeah, the tourists love Graffiti Alley!
      I need to get up to that second floor, somehow. In the meantime, I found more En Masse art. I’ll wait to post that one!

  23. Always love your amazing art and can’t wait to see what you’re up to next. Wait,… the fires sound horrible. We are shockingly good in Cali this year. ❤️

    1. The fires are crazy. Climate is crazy.
      They say fire season here will be 10 times the worst we’ve ever seen. It will be unprecedented.
      The wearing of masks seems never ending. If it’s not because of viruses, it’s smoke.
      Even our air is angry with us.
      I hope things remain okay in Cali! It seems that a lot of the forests burned down past several years.
      Time for regeneration! ❤️

      1. Ugh so sad Resa and crazy is right!!! I’ve got a mask on as we speak… Al good in Cali right now as far as I see!
        It’s a great break.. take care and be safe!!!💕

  24. Hi, Resa. I see that I have catching up to do. Sorry to be late. Holy Hannah! TWO stories covered in fabulous art? That’s amazing. Thanks for adding the slideshow. I think my favorite of all the bits is the eye with an image in the pupil. I’ve always loved that kind of image.
    Just one question, to expand my horizons. When you say “but will the hardcore graffiti disappear?” Do you mean/define “hardcore graffiti” as the ones painted, unauthorized by street artists? And others as being done with permission of the owner? I’m just curious. It doesn’t effect my admiration for the art either way.
    Hugs.

    1. No worries about late and catching up. I’m the queen of that!
      Yes, there is all kinds of graffiti, and it is illegal and unsigned.
      It could be a political comment or image, it could be any unauthorized art, a paste up, scribbling by a rotten kid, tags over good art, lousy throw ups, a lot of writing is illegal.
      When I started posting, writing was the big thing. It’s a person’s name done so it’s readable only to those in the know. It’s colourful, and pleasant …. to me anyway.
      This post is filled with writing.https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2013/11/16/adventures-in-graf-5-wsherrie/
      So I called it Graffiti Lux. Hugs!

    1. This group has done several murals around. I’ve posted a few. It is rather fetching, in a black and white way.
      Something is like old black and white newspaper comic strips. xx

  27. Gawd Res, you know where to find magnificent works of art. I love that whole mural. It’s full of stories. Could take eons to disect it all. But magnificent finds! ❤ xx

    1. I was there at least 3 times while it was being painted. There was also construction and everything was fenced off. I couldn’t get at it.

      Finally, it was time to shoot it. Now, how to get onto that 2nd floor? ❤ xx

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