A Geometric Twist On Graffiti: Eltono
The term "street art" is used to describe a very wide variety of art forms, some of which are performed on the street, and some of which are actually ON the street. While Eltono is considered by the art community to be a modern street artist, most people in the US would probably describe Eltono as a "graffiti artist". But don't let the use of the word "graffiti" mislead you - Eltono is no vandal.
Eltono, Spanish for "the tone", is an artist who is known for painting a uniquely geometric and abstract version of a tuning fork as graffiti. Eltono, beginning in Madrid in 1999, has spread his work all over Europe, South America, and Korea painting buildings, walls, rail sides, and any other surface you can find in a modern city.
When many people think of graffiti, they envision bright colors and big shapes that can be overpowering. Eltono's work is a statement against this type of graffiti -- his work is subtle and understated. Eltono does such a wonderful job of keeping his work simple that it's possible you could walk by it and never notice it.
Part of the reason that Eltono's work is so different from other street artists is that he uses a different technique. While many of his contemporaries use spray paint, which usually renders art that is bulbous and rounded, Eltono uses plastic paint and masking tape. These materials allow him to create art that is linear and geometric, making his work stylistically unique.
Eltono's work seems to draw one's eye to obvious discrepancies in the cityscape. For example, one can imagine a brick wall with windows that have been haphazardly boarded over by previously weathered plywood. Perhaps it's easier to imagine the side wall of a building, constructed of different types of brick, lumber, and iron. These are both common sights on a run-down block of any major city. For Eltono, these scenes are a blank canvas.
Eltono will decorate the scenes described with a simple collection of lines and shapes, drawing a sharp contrast to the typical "tagging" that one would expect to see when they think of graffiti. Perhaps his emphasis on subtlety has helped him gain the international recognition he enjoys.
Like all good art, Eltono's work generates more questions than it answers. Does Eltono work in geometric shapes to draw attention to the harsh city environment? Is their a political statement? Because Eltono's chosen medium is often associated with vandalism, will his work receive the attention it deserves? While only time will tell, Eltono's work certainly deserves your attention now.
Author: Jason Lancaster is a student of art and enjoys discussing modern Latin art. Jason has a Latin Musica website emphasizing Tonos. To see more about Eltono, visit the website Eltono.com.
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