[Reviewed by Floyd A. Logan]

Prasad’s Book Has Kissed My Thoughts

“Preciously held, and publicly owned” are the words that come to mind as I leaf through this colorful book. This photojournal of murals and art of the Mission District is not long at less than 60 pages, but is rich in impact, impression and narrative. This is the sort of book that can be opened at any page in any order and there is something worth seeing or thinking about. In short, it’s light, but it’s “heavy”.

Prasad speaks to you in first person. Even though the articles are assembled without dates, there is a natural flow to her book. It is natural to look up at a mural on the side of a building, then look down at the pavement, where messages await your reaction (sometimes, your revulsion). You may then be tempted to go further down the street, into an air conditioned sunny cafe for a short break, and, perhaps an aromatic cup of Persian tea. As you sip your tea, you look around at the walls and forget where you are for just a few minutes. Prasad speaks to you in a comfortable way, sounding as one who is by nature a creative person, accomplished in some respects, but still willing to slow down and take a closer look. This narrative of sharing, provides a cheerful, vicarious partnership, as we are on a tour, led by Prasad, who knows that there is always more to be observed or proclaimed about our living in this moment.

Floyd A. Logan may be reached at floydalogan@gmail.com.

Techniques of these murals vary greatly. On page 6, there is a splashy Aztec inspired mural painted on the side of a clapboarded building, the mural/montage depicts active motherhood, with symmetric emblems of a woman giving birth to a smiling infant. This piece reminds us of the fusion of the physical world with the patterns and activities of Man. There is a serendipitous aspect of how all conditions work together and must all be present for full effect. Cobalt blues, and peachy pinks are lined with vermilion to describe the beginning and the continuance of life.

Sometimes, public art will be used to decorate an area, to fill an empty void of neutrality, while another class of art can be used to transcend it’s apparent environment. Let’s revisit that sunny air conditioned cafe. Its’ known as The Cafe Petra on Guerrero St. It is possible that the fresco styled murals were influenced by the name of the street; guerrero means “soldier or war” in certain kinds of Spanish. It could be coincidence or a source of inspiration from other warriors of distant lands, such as Alexander the Great. As you look at the vast fields of rugged cliffs, bronzed plateaus and sand-swept surfaces, one thinks of nomadic tribes in their flowing robes. One obtains a glimpse of that time, where portraits are framed with braids of ivy leaves, where fables, fantasy and families live in harmony. There are two camels walking away toward the edge of the scene. The urge is to throw a saddle on one of those camels, hop on, and ride away with them to…to wherever.

Prasad expresses an egalitarian point of view when observing public art. Like anyone who is forever in a state of learning, she experiences several minor epiphanies along the way.  One discovery made is that public art need not always be pretty to look at, nor must it always be logical as one is used to seeing logic. Sometimes, public art doesn’t even have to be “nice” or well mannered in order to have worth. What matters is how well a particular piece communicates to us. Different people will get different messages from the same piece of art.  In some respect, all perceptions are valid if they are sincere.

The author sees a justification and at times even a need for certain art forms to operate on the “periphery”, shall we say, of what is considered legal or proper for display. Some people may consider spray painted, poorly spelled, slogans on a public sidewalk to be of dubious value, if any. Prasad considers this as evidence that the artist is being resourceful, and making the most of what medium and tools they may have available.

I recommend you buy this book for your collection and for yourself.