'L.A. VS. WAR' Exhibit: Less of a '9/11 Tribute,' More of a 'Circle-Jerk of Tired Grievances'

Oh, and by the way, I am younger than your hero John Carr, so I guess you are calling him ancient. Ha, ha, ha.... 

At least I have the guts to say who I really am "checkmate". Your comments are hilariously juvenile and immature. I feel like I am in high school all over again. So much for intellectual debate! I do agree with you though, everyone should fully disclose what their role in this show was whether it was artist, volunteer or production team because all of the comments against the writer seem to be from them. Your inarticulate name-calling just proves the point of this article. You're only making a fool of yourself. The point about the history of poster art is valid, but I would say to that: historically such posters had a purpose: to promote a non-violent protest, sit-in or happening. They were hailed as fine art or sold for a profit. If you really want to change things why not start an action like adbusters did in NYC, instead of just talking about change? All of this negativity is only perpetuating more negativity as is being proven right here right now on this blog. Every person has a right to say what they believe, and every voice has the right to be heard, even yours.

you are no mother teresa.. so please don't use her quote as something of value coming from a bitter, outdated, extremely self centered person...its getting old, like you... somethings remain political others will stay hipoCRITICAL... we know what side of the fence your on, KAREN Thanks for the reminder

I find it puzzling how those who promote "free speech" and expression can not take it when they are criticized. I didn't have to offer my history up o the public and was hesitant to do so, but to be excluded from a show about peace because someone "never liked me" (their words not mine) is a little disconcerting. It is very nice that all of John's friends have come to his defense, but really there are some very valid points here which you all seem to be missing. I have some really good friends who partook in this exhibition, and I support all their efforts, even if the I think the intention of the show was misguided. Everyone has a right to their opinion; surely that was the point of the show. Was it not to open dialogue and discourse??? So why come down on those whose criticize it? Can you not take what you dish out??? Does everyone have to agree with you 100% or they are not cool? 

"I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there." - Mother Teresa

Wouldn't exactly call your headline pulitzer-worthy, especially if what you were looking for was more Norman Rockwell and less Winston Smith.I share your basic sentiment - that the anti-war agenda seems stale:  like its the same problems over and over and over again.  That's just because they are stale, and yet, war and injustice continue on their predictable little patterns.  It is frustrating.  So unfashionable, right? The only thing elitist I've seen related to LA v War is this very review.  If you don't think "any schmo with access to a silkscreen" has anything meaningful to say, I suspect you're probably not the right person to review anything to do with street art.

This review is mean spirited and unprofessional.Not a good reflection on the writer or the LA Weekly. 

Bravo, Katy, bravo! So you did actually get the point of the poster and thus the artist did in fact accomplush what s/he presumably set out to do: communicate a message in 10 seconds or less. You can refer to the "one liners" as "sound bites" or you could instead do you homework on the genealogy of political poster art and you would find that catchy, seemingly simple slogans or phrases can contribute a great deal to changing the narrative. Your critique if LA vs WAR's commendable endeavor begs the question: what exactly are you doing to contribute to the public discourse to set the country on track towards a more sustainable future? Because I looked online and didn't find s**t.

ps Those who have criticized the people behind this project should consider also disclosing their history with these particular people, otherwise you come across as intellectually dishonest.

Kudos for having the guts to bring up some valid points about the exhibition. I was excluded from the show because the producers "don't like me", which I found very perplexing since the show was supposedly about "unity." Even before I was told that I was to "sit this one out," I had serious reservations about being a part of a show which breeds negativity, a sense of elitism and divisiveness. It is too easy to point the finger at people or situations which are "bad" or "wrong", much more difficult to offer positive solutions. These types of exhibitions preach to the choir and only serve to boost the egos of those involved. This kind of immature and elitist attitude only breeds more violence and negativity. Pointing fingers does not "educate" or "unite" anyone. Thank you for bringing up these issues, instead of going along with what is popular and fashionable.

I've got to say that I agree with the writer. 90% of the show was teen angst at best, empty and naive. Then again, what do you expect from a show called "LA vs War"? I say bravo to the LA Weekly for an honest appraisal of a high school level "art show".

You know, it's interesting. Some writers can get away with slanderous critiques like this. Katy Aniste is clearly not one of those writers. Her tone comes off exactly as Toddy Moyer's comment describes "yet another apathetic hipster for whom it's easier to criticize than create."

As a journalist, I spoke at length with show co-curator, John Carr. Carr is every bit as politically sharp and versed as I've seen when it comes to the ideas and political concepts confronted in his show. I asked him tough political questions and he answered all with grace, clarity and confidence.  

That's the difference. 

As an artist and a visionary who is working along side somany others for real, palpable, revolutionary change--on the front-lines--Ifind it both disheartening and motivating to bear witness to such acritique as this. 

Disheartening to be reminded that indeed, "people fearwhat they do not understand" and that this is *still* such pervasivephenomenon in our society; that some people--rather than seek out understandingthrough dialogue and experience--stay destructively wallowing in ignorance.

Yet motivated in that reviews and critiques such as thesetell us all that there is so much work to be done and only serve to ignite aneven fiercer flame of passion and vision among artists and activist who speaktruth—no matter how unbecoming--and will continue to do so without apology!  So thank you Ms. Ansite for reminding us thatour work is not finished and inspiring us to continue with gusto…

Until every voice has volumeuntil every person is empowered to be who they areuntil every human is seen as a personuntil healing is stronger than brokenuntil authentic overrules power, greed, fear, ignoranceuntil I draw my last breathI cannot stopI will not stopI refuse to stop.

Perhaps it was the author of this article that was drunk on Banksy, and is now suffering the hangover. Street art wasn't always the fad that it has become in recent years. Funny that many of the unsung heroes of the underground art world are now being criticized as followers of the movement they helped create.

I do agree that a few pieces in the show were sophomoric, but there were also some outstanding works - beautifully rendered, contemplative, rich with meaning an innuendo. 

I wonder if the author of this article was even old enough to have attended the first LA vs War, but even without that context one must be truly jaded to form such an opinion. 

Katy, you just come off as yet another apathetic hipster for whom it's easier to criticize than create.

Oh my. I feel bad for you but thank you for posting this amazing piece of art. John Carr is makes a very bold statement about the "Hope" era. This stencil piece explains Ph oh Oh my. You poor thing. Thank you for posting this bold piece. This painting explains to the public everything that you misunderstood. LA vs War was a commemoration not a tribute. Yeah babe antiwar and Guantanamo are " so" over. LA vs War was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Political Graphics and curated by an Art is a Hammer award recipient. You obviously did no research. Stick to reviewing B films.Come on LA Weekly. This article is hideous and sad.