cityscape
Vandalist: Love it or Hate It
Lovebot takes a stand
| BY: | Lovebot, Tensoe2, PoserABM | ||
| LOCATION: | Brock and Dundas, the PanAm Path | ||
| PHOTO BY: | Matthew Del Degan | ||
| FIELD NOTES: | Matthew Del Degan, the artist responsible for Lovebot, is one of the only graffiti artists in Toronto who publicizes his real name and has a website dedicated to his work and crew—something he largely gets away with because of his intentions to spread love across the city. This makes him an easy target for folks who have a bone to pick with graffiti. Folks like Kirk Hero, who decided he’d had enough of Lovebot, which he describes as a “visual plague disguised as something beneficial to the community.” There’s even a petition on change.org to bring the Lovebot nonsense to a halt, and a rally to oppose the little creature. Unlike some graffiti artists, Del Degan goes out of his way to graffiti with a respectful approach, concentrating on derelict walls and permissible surfaces, with an emphasis on positivity and love. In response to the petition he’s organized a big group hug on Sunday to stand up to the criticism. If you like Lovebot/hugs you should drop by! Or, if you want to “help kill Lovebot with hate of Lovebot” you should sign the petition! Or, best of both worlds, go to the event and chat with Del Degan and his crew and exchange perspectives through conversation and humanity. |
Once a week, Vandalist features some of the most interesting street art and graffiti from around Toronto. Find something great? Email [email protected].