R.I.P. SOLVE

Per standard operating procedure, I got to work this morning and proceeded to spend 30 minutes reading the news on-line. More times than not, this leaves me feeling slightly depressed, as there are almost always multiple articles chronicling various homicides that took place over the weekend.

Of the four people senselessly murdered this weekend, the tragic death of local street artist Solve hit me the hardest. Mind you, I did not know him personally, but I knew his work, and it makes me sad that someone so passionate about their craft is gone, lost to a seemingly senseless act of violence.

Although I am but a casual observer of the street art scene, and have no personal relation to it, I always appreciated the beauty in the images that add so much life to the urban environment. Many people may consider these artists a nuisance, but they are anything but.

I realize this is one of those posts that many of my readers won't relate to, but I wanted to do whatever I could to keep his memory alive, or perhaps provide some level of exposure (no matter how small) to his work.

Those that were his friends and family will miss him more than myself, I suppose, but Goddammit, this shit makes me sad...my heart goes out to those that lost a brother, friend and/or son.

Just today I thought to look for video of Solve on-line, and I think this video expertly sums up his work. It also made me cry, more than once.

[PS - if the person that posted these images on Flicker would like me to take these down, just let me know...I don't want to step on anyones toes, as it were.]