What's So Funny?...

West Leicester, April, 2015

Well, technically, these are hardly the most accomplished photos I've ever put on here.  I grabbed them with my phone a few hours ago, without even getting off my bike, and they've had only minimal editing or correction on their way to publication.  Perhaps there is something appropriate about the hazy spring sunlight that suffuses them though as, of course, they're really just about that delightful bit of chalked graffiti.

The end of this terrace, close to my home, has served as a kind of public art arena for decades, facing a major road junction, as it does.  Years ago, a community-based mural filled the entire space.  Later, it was painted sky-blue and adorned with a series of large relief butterflies.  It's pretty low-key in  comparison now, although that reddish paint glows nicely under the right illumination, - and it still attracts a steady turnover of graffiti and fly postings.

West Leicester, April 2015

Of course, some might deride this current communication for being unbelievably twee and naive. However, in an age when all we hear about is the murderous intent of power-crazed psychos and religious mentalists, it charms me that someone still thought it worth making the suggestion.

It also gives me an excuse to revisit Elvis Costello's marvellous reading of Nick Lowe's 'What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love And Understanding?' [1.].  The Bespectacled One's performance proves that even the most simplistic peace anthem can convince, - if you rip into it with unshakable conviction and the world's greatest Pub-Rock band behind you.  The ham-fisted video hardly does it justice, but it does have a certain period charm, - and you can always close your eyes.

[1.]:  Elvis Costello & The Attractions, 'What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love & Understanding?' (N. Lowe), Radar, 1978, (B-Side of Nick Lowe Single, 'American Squirm').