Neighborhoods Worth Watching: “We look out for each other!”
This is somewhat peripheral to print but relevant in that it deals with image culture and its intersection with an everyday, two-dimensional multiple: the street sign.
As a recent transplant to Austin, I thought I would share one of the more interesting graphic elements of my new home- the neighborhood watch signs. Many of you may be familiar with the city’s often-repeated motto “Keep Austin Weird.” Well, these street signs are clearly doing their part. The unauthorized (I’m guessing) modifications to the normally sterile warning to would-be criminals do a good job of making the neighborhood feel friendlier/funnier and therefore more secure. Art can do a lot of things but it’s rare that it makes people feel safe- it’s a nice precedent to see.
Though no doubt there is some irony in using graffiti and the unlawful modification of public property as a means of discouraging neighborhood crime, I think there is a sincerity in the message that transcends the means. The modification of the multiple creates a sense of specialness and really makes the place feel cared for and watched where as generic neighborhood watch signs almost seem like ugly markers for places that crime happens. I think this makes a strong case for thinking outside of the box for public infographics- it’s necessary for signage to be universally understood but there’s room for some regional and/or city-specific variation.
I took these two images but you can see a few more of Austin’s custom signs at Adam Rice’s Flickr. I would be curious to know/see other examples of these kinds of signage modifications in other parts of the country.
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Where did you encounter the first sign?
Hi Adam, If you’re heading north on the 35 frontage road, make a right after the UHaul. It’s on the right hand side near the train tracks. Not sure of the street name- is it Wilshire?
This is so weird. I’ve looked at that sign almost everyday for a month and a half now and today, the day I mention where it’s at, it disappears! It was there only yesterday. This is really sad- it’s like having a piece of lawn sculpture stolen from your front yard. Is it possible that Austin has a Graffiti Task Force reading Printeresting for leads?
I’ve discovered another of these pieces, right across the street from Hoover’s. It’s in my photostream. A few other people in the Austin Street Art pool have also discovered these pieces, and have taken better pictures than I have.