Watch The Subconscious Art of Graffiti Removal

The Subconscious Art of Graffiti Removal is a quirky and thought-provoking documentary from 2002 that explores the often-overlooked art of graffiti removal. Directed by Matt McCormick, the film highlights the unexpected beauty that can arise from mundane tasks and the hidden creativity that exists all around us. The documentary is framed around the story of a graffiti removal team in Portland, Oregon, who spend their days scrubbing tags and paintings off of public buildings and spaces. The team talk about their work with a sense of pride and accomplishment, despite the fact that their efforts often go unnoticed by the general public. McCormick interweaves their personal stories with interviews with art experts, historians, and psychologists, as well as footage of graffiti artists at work.

One of the most intriguing elements of the film is the idea that graffiti removal itself can be considered a form of art. The removal team talk about the unique techniques they use to erase graffiti, as well as the creative problem-solving involved in figuring out the best approach for each job. This idea is further explored through interviews with experts on the psychology of graffiti, who discuss the ways in which graffiti artists and graffiti removers are engaged in a kind of ongoing dialogue with each other.

The film also touches on broader themes related to the nature of art and creativity. Through interviews with avant-garde filmmaker Miranda July and Electric Light Orchestra cellist Hugh McDowell, McCormick explores the idea that art can come from unexpected sources and that there is creativity inherent in even the most mundane tasks. For example, one of the graffiti removal team talks about how he sees patterns and textures in the graffiti he removes, and how this has inspired him to create his own artwork.

The Subconscious Art of Graffiti Removal is shot in a naturalistic, almost vérité style that lends the film a sense of authenticity and immediacy. McCormick's camera captures the gritty, urban landscapes where graffiti is both created and removed, and viewers get a sense of the vibrant subculture that exists around this often-controversial art form.

Overall, The Subconscious Art of Graffiti Removal is a fascinating and unconventional documentary that challenges viewers to see the world around them in a new way. It showcases the beauty and complexity of an art form that is often dismissed as mere vandalism, and it encourages us to look for inspiration and creativity even in the most unlikely places. Whether you're a fan of graffiti, a curious art-lover, or just someone looking for a fresh perspective on the world around you, this film is definitely worth a watch.