Dismal grafitti yields to decent street art

Two new stations were built along our railway line into town, W-wa Aleje Jerozolimskie and W-wa Żwirki i Wigury were opened in September 2008. At the same time, W-wa Rakowiec was refurbished to the same standard. Within minutes of the stations being opened, the dumb-ass element of graffiti vandals set to work on the virgin bare concrete bays which housed the platform seating. Aggressive obscenity relating to football teams quickly filled up the empty spaces that the architects failed to see as a natural whiteboard for graffiti. And so it went for nearly two years - until last month, when the street artists pounced.

The filth and the fury was painted over and in its place something visually interesting. Each station has a theme - W-wa Aleje Jerozolimskie storks and flamingos in comic-book convention, W-wa Rakowiec has railway-related art; but my favourites are from W-wa Żwirki i Wigury. Here the art harks back to 1940s and 1950s America, as regular readers will know, my Favourite Period of All Time Ever.

Norman Rockwell-inspired template (szablon) art on the platforms at W-wa Żwirki i Wigury

So much better than what was here before. Artist - I applaud your works. And PLK (Poland's rail infrastructure manager) for backing this initiative.

Four chaingang convicts. Opening scene of O Brother Where Art Thou? Po' Lazarus indeed.

An' then the high sheriff (CRASH)

He told his deputy

Want you go out an' bring me Laz'rus (CRASH)

Bring him dead or 'live

Lord, Lord, bring him dead or 'live (CRASH)

UPDATE: September 2010. Most of the murals at W-wa Żwirki i Wigury (above) have been sprayed over by dumb-ass vandals. Tragic.