Who?

Initially it’s hard to start this. Is it who are GRL, what is GRL, what is the GRL? I think the start of this post is best put by Wikipedia’s entry for GRL;

Graffiti Research Labs, created by Eyebeam Atelier and OpenLab, is dedicated to outfitting graffiti writers and artists with open source technologies for urban communication. G.R.L. agents are currently working in the lab and in the field to develop and test a range of experimental technologies for the state-of-the-art graffiti writer.

GRL is a collaborative non-profit group based in New York which has been created from the foundation of Eyebeam by graffiti writers Q-Branch and Fi5e. The aim of the group, is to research and develop open-source technologies for fellow graffiti artists.
After brainstorming ideas into looking for ways to get around anti-graffiti paint, the Graffiti Research Lab was born.

Why?

I have had a huge interest in all forms of street art for a couple of years now and I feel that that the type of projects and ideas is ‘the street art of the future’. That is quite a statement to make, however, a lot of the aspects of current street art that hold the artist back are bypassed in these type of projects such as legal issues and style.

One of the projects of Graffiti Research Lab is the LED throwies project which is shown in the video below.

This impresses me greatly for many reasons. Not also does the final product look amazing, it’s on show for the entire community (effectively being its own exhibition), it can be created collaboratively, it’s legal and it’s inexpensive. Therefore it seems like a perfect project to recreate.

How?

There are various instructions online that show how to make an LED throwie. It seems very easy, being only a number of steps and it shouldn’t take too long to make a large number of them. I have already bought some of the ‘ingrediants’, so when everything arrives I will start testing out some test throwies and when the time is ready, prepare for the final piece.

When it comes, I shall be using a number of people to help throw the throwies at the metal surface. Also, the event will be filmed and photos will be taken. The edited video will be the final documentation of the project, as the video is for the original LED throwie idea.

Where?

Obviously the location needs some sort of large metal surface for the throwies to stick to. Unless you are properly looking for a good location like this, you have no idea how many places are built out of concrete. I have had a number of ideas for locations to perform the project;

1. The Sundial+
   
   This would be an ideal location because it is in the heart of the city, being the optimum place as an exhibition because it allows the maximum amount of people to enjoy the event and project.
   It has the water fountain underneath it so it may stop people taking the throwies off to keep for themselves if they enjoy them so much.

   -

   As this is a very public place, the council may not allow it to happen although Plymouth Council have been pretty good in allowing art projects like this but it’s not 100% certain.
   If the throwies bounce off the sundial and land in the water, they die.

2. Side of the Smeaton Building+

   The Smeaton Building is part of the University so they may be more willing than Plymouth Council to allow the event to go forward.
   There is a huge metal panel on the side which is quite open and public. Also it is very high which makes sure people cannot steal the throwies.

   -

   It is not a prime location and not the most interesting of buildings (the throwies may change that).

When?

Preferably before the deadline.