Artifex Shop

Artifex, a Belgian shop selling graffiti supplies. Photo used under Creative Commons.

 

After you get over the initial shock and take a close look, you soon realize that this European location is not a lot different from a typical “Old Town” street scape.  Three story facades with shops opening onto brick sidewalks form interesting urban architecture no matter where you are.  Adding attention grabbing street art completely changes not only the vibe, but more importantly the market appeal;  and market appeal there is, in abundance.

Can you tell what this European Shop is selling? Me neither. Photo used under Creative Commons.

 

 

Leading, of course, to the question;  is this art or a sign, and what constitutes a sign?  Surely the “Alexandria Board of Architectural Review” would not issue a “Certificate of Appropriateness” for such an installation.  Is one required, though,  if the only alteration is to paint a building?  My research says this is legal, my experience says not.  When I have investigated further, I will update this post.  In the meantime, think LA Ink.