Visiting Artist Carmelo Sigona at Rutgers Prep

As an extension of the seventh grade “Public Art” curriculum at Rutgers Preparatory School, graffiti artist Carmelo Sigona, will be working with students on campus on December 13, 2011.  Sigona, who also goes by the tag name of “Snow,” will address the question “Is graffiti art?” While many individuals view graffiti as vandalism and do not recognize it as a legitimate art form, Sigona argues that graffiti does have a place in the art world. 

Sigona has been painting graffiti for over thirty years, and what started in his childhood as a secretive and illegal activity, one that landed him in jail, has developed into a notable and viable career. Sigona does not “sugarcoat his past,” rather he sends a message to students to use their talents in a positive way. His work now is much different from the work of his early years, as he is involved with creating album covers, music videos, mural and set design. He is also working on creating a graphic novel.

In Mrs. Makiko Highton’s seventh grade classes, students draw inspiration from “street art”.  They create their own tag designs and echo the effects of a spray can, using traditional art materials as well as iPad apps and other desktop programs. At the end of the quarter, they create their own public art in the form of a mural that is displayed on campus.  Whether or not graffiti is an art form is debated, and students learn that art can appear in many forms. Personal expression is always encouraged and students learn that art can be a powerful tool and also a means to send a message. Sigona will share his message with students and work with them on individual projects and a spray paint demonstration. As one student puts it, “I think graffiti is cool and complex. It’s a way of expressing yourself in letters.”