Landscape Essay - Underground/Alternative Landscape

  

Graffiti Pier 

Pennsylvania is known for its graffiti and its copious murals. A lot of the graffiti is done in abandoned areas, old signs, disheveled houses, and collapsing bridges. One place that was once abandoned has now been revamped and redefined as a cool hangout spot is Graffiti Pier. Located on the cusp of the Delaware River in Philadelphia PA, its vibrant artworks line the walls make it not only an iconic landmark of PA, but a beloved hangout spot for teens.  

The Pier was originally meant for industrial purposes mainly by the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail). They operated freight trains and used the pier to ship goods along the Delaware. In the latter half of the 20th century, the pier fell out of use and fell into disrepair. in the early 2000s, due to its vacancy, the area became the canvas for graffiti. Soon, graffiti began to cover the walls and rundown trails left at the spot. Eventually, simple graffiti turned into more intricate pieces of artwork. This then invited more people to the area, culminating in a communal outdoor art gallery. 

For years after, Graffiti Pier had been admired by photographers, tourists, artists, and Philadelphia residents alike. Like many areas “defaced” by graffiti, there was significant push-back on the pier implying that it destroyed the image of the city. But in 2019, a more imposing threat to the pier. The government had ideas to demolish the area and rebuild. This sparked many protests and widespread discussion on gentrification of urban areas. To this day, developers still eye the pier as a potential plot for new projects.  

The most important group of people who are attracted by Graffiti Pier are youths, more specifically teenagers. This place almost out of sight to the city creates a sense of shelter and rebellion from the rules and regulations put on these kids. Many who live within the Fishtown area or even just go to school there use it as a sanctuary from their school, home, and social pressure where they can be themselves whether alone or with a group of friends. This is a place that encourages creativity and allows teens to leave their mark. This vibrant ever-changing landscape allows them to get involved in a community-oriented art project. Graffiti Pier gives teens the chance to build a whole new network of friends and a community that they may not have at home or at school, free from constraints. 

 Usually, underground/alternative landscapes are overlooked and ignored, but Graffiti Pier, which was once overlooked, was adopted by a group of people who say its potential and eventually, it became the beautiful collage of art that it is today. It has been rehabilitated into the cultural hub, used by artists, musicians, and photographers as the backdrop of many looking for a place to express themselves freely.  

Graffiti Pier is a compelling example of culturally significant landmarks being threatened. Other underground landmarks like Graffiti Pier are being threatened with demolition. This had sparked many debates on gentrification and urban renewal. The destruction of Graffiti Pier would mean the destruction of urban street art, which is otherwise appreciated in other parts of Philadelphia. To save these aspects of the city that give it its originality and uniqueness, organizations and protests to prevent further gentrification from big corporations need to happen to do so. If we as a group press for the government to sustain these landmarks and protect them from being demolished, we can save many places, like Graffiti Pier, so generations to come can appreciate them like we do now.