Urban Planet is a daily roundup of blogs from around the world dealing specifically with urban environments. We’ll be on the lookout for websites outside the country that approach themes related to urban experiences and issues.
Cracks and potholes rarely endear us to our cities, but artist Juliana Santacruz Herrera has made a valiant attempt. Her yarn bombs have added colour to Parisian streets. (ApartmentTherapy)
Image from ApartmentTherapy
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2 comments
Although the recent trend of ‘yarn bombing’ is colourful and when first installed can look beautiful, I would have to say that I think it is overall a terrible idea. First off It is a complete waste of a natural resource, if you have the time to knit or crochet yarn around a tree why not put that time into creating blankets, mitts or scarves to be given to the homeless. This way the yarn is used and not just thrown out after a couple of days, or left to become more garbage on the street. Secondly after a couple of days of being left to weather the elements it becomes a heap of garbage that is then left to the City to clean up. This is not an arguement against art installations, graffiti, etc., all of which can contribute to and are an essential part of great cities. This is simply a statement against those who would create what they think is beautiful, only to leave it to rot after they are done.
Many fibre artists come back and clean up their yarn bombs after a period of time has passed. I wish they would all commit to the same thing. Besides the negative aspects mentioned by David above, yarn and string have been known to kill small mammals (squirrels, cats, opossums) and birds. Strands of yarn are eaten, and can become fatal bowel obstructions.