Alyssa-Jaylene Adato

AJs Alley

Creating a large-scale graffiti-tagged poster of a name tag (or label sticker), to help reflect the value of belonging in modern-day society; overall, designed using a corporate printed poster accompanied by a graphic painting overlay. Graffiti refers to handwriting or paintings on a public surface, whilst tagging is the writing of the artist's name, signature, or image on a wall. Both are illustrations of freedom of speech, liberty, and expressionism. By using a commercially produced poster, I’m highlighting the adverse effects of capitalism on individuality in society. This piece reflects paintings, drawings, or inscriptions made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and so as to be seen by the public because that is what graffiti is, but the irony is; I’m not asking anyone for permission, I’m telling you who I am. I’m asserting my independence from this society built on narrow ideas, this is my self-assured power.

“I came across these label stickers, and in clean writing it said; “Hello my name is”, and it reminded me of the kinds of labels we as people put on ourselves, especially in a society where our identities are so important. To me, my identity as “AJs Alley”, is more than me being a girl, an artist from Toronto, or someone who has a creative talent. This is a passion, a lifestyle, a brand, a name I want the world to know. You can connect with the world around you if you can articulate your self-identity in a clear way. Identity growth includes discovering and nurturing one's ability, agreeing on a life goal, and looking for opportunities to turn one's talent and meaning into motion.”