Ian Strange: Challenging Notions Through “Home Billboard”

Title: Home Billboard

• Creator: Ian Strange
• Date Created: September 2017
• Location Created: Klubbgata 4, 4013 Stavanger, Norway
• Type: Installation
• Rights: ©Nuart Festival, ©Brian Tallman Photography
• Medium: Photography, Paper
• Art Genre: Architecture
• Art Movement: Street Art
• Art Form: Poster
• Support: Billboard
• Depicted Location: Arkaden Mall (side street)

Ian Strange: The Multifaceted Australian Artist

1. A Multidisciplinary Approach:

• Ian Strange, an Australian artist renowned for his multidisciplinary approach, delves into the cultural and social impact of the home across diverse societies.

2. “Home Billboard” at Nuart Festival 2017:

• In September 2017, Ian Strange participated in the prestigious Nuart Festival, leaving an indelible mark through his unique project titled “Home Billboard.”
• The installation unfolded at Klubbgata 4, Stavanger, Norway, contributing to the festival’s celebration of cutting-edge street art.

Exploring “Target” Series:

1. The Target Series:

• Strange’s “Home Billboard” draws inspiration from his “Target” series, wherein he reimagines original artworks on vintage photographs. These selected images became the focal point of large-scale billboard interventions scattered throughout Stavanger.

2. Marking Home:

• By crossing out and making marks on these tableau visions of the home, Ian Strange challenges societal preconceptions associated with homes as spaces of safety and security.

3. Broadening the Discourse:

• The intervention initiates a broader conversation about the intricate correlation between the concepts of home, safety, and urban disenfranchisement.

Visual Impact and Artistic Form:

1. Photography and Paper Medium:

• Ian Strange employs photography and paper as his primary mediums, providing a visual language that resonates with his exploration of architectural and societal dynamics.

2. Billboard as Support:

• The billboard as a support structure elevates the scale and impact of Strange’s work, transforming public spaces into arenas for dialogue and introspection.

Legacy and Cultural Commentary:

1. Nuart Festival Contribution:

• “Home Billboard” stands as a testament to Ian Strange’s impactful contribution to the Nuart Festival, aligning with the event’s ethos of pushing boundaries in contemporary street art.

2. Cultural and Social Inquiry:

• Through his work, Strange invites viewers to engage in critical reflections on cultural norms and societal constructs related to the concept of home.

Conclusion: A Billboard of Provocation

“Ian Strange’s “Home Billboard” encapsulates not only the physical presence of art in public spaces but serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the very essence of ‘home.’ With his signature style and a penchant for challenging established narratives, Strange opens a visual dialogue that transcends the boundaries of traditional art, making an enduring impact on the cultural landscape.”