Liber-8 This

A few weeks ago, I was introduced to a Philly newcomer working on a pretty massive street art project. You may have seen his work around: 3' fists rising out of the ground, attached mostly to abandoned buildings and construction sites. Bearing the project's name, LIBER-8 ME spans the lower portion of the brightly colored, masonite fists.

Take from it what you will. The term means nothing in particular, but a number of different things to the curious eyes who take interest. One of the more obvious interpretations is a metaphor for escaping the confines of the concrete jungle we call Philadelphia. On a personal level, it could mean escaping internal conflict. Or, in the words of the gentle giant behind the scene, "… LIBER-8 ME represents a desire to have art be liberated to some degree from the descriptions in text books and college classes, and include everything that is expression ."

Now, let's not get too carried away. Without academic writing and texts, there would be no place for art history, which means my joke of never being able to find a job with my degree will actually become a reality. But enough about the plight of one art enthusiast.

In reality, this break from the realm of academic art is not a new concept. The idea here is that this is living art. We don't have to wait for this phase to end in order to determine its purpose and affects. But the best part of this ambiguous title is that the LIBER-8 ME fists are meant to be taken literally. I mean taken, literally. If you spot one and you're into it, take it home!! Just come prepared with tools, or some serious muscle.

Really, it's keeping with the whole Green trend. Recycle it! Currently, the fists can be found in the Italian Market, NoLibs, Center City, and elsewhere. Soon to come is a series of fists designed by local artists, so keep your eyes peeled and a wrench handy.

Want more info? LIBER-8 ME stemmed from a nearby art collective in West Chester, PA. You can read about them here. If you take one home, send Ugh some photos of the new locale!

Want to design your own series of fists? Contact ughnews@gmail.com .

Have more information on other Philly street art projects? Send it our way! (Speaking of which, who has word on the destruction of 3^rd street's YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL?)

Written by Erin Broadhurst, Photos by Artist