Lots of folks were talking about Exit Through the Giftshop last year. Many even gushed that it should win an Oscar. I’m not sure I agree with that assessment, but I do agree with the interest it has sparked in graffiti art and the debate between defacing property and self-expression. Obviously, the exhibit was in the works long before the release of the film, so I was curious to see the “real art world’s” view of street art. Without delving into the controversy of graffiti, I thought I’d show you just a small sampling of what the MOCA had on display. We visited on the final day of the show and I was not only impressed with the caliber of the work but with the exhibit itself. The spaces offered opportunities to be immersed in the street art with back alleys and mock bodegas along with other areas of standard gallery viewing. Also of note was the crowd – huge and enthusiastic. In fact, overall attendance was a record high of over 200,000 visitors. No matter which side of the controversy you’re on, looks like street art is here to stay.

* All images were taken on site at the MOCA exhibit