Herakut, as defined according to Wikipedia:
Herakut is the name of a two-person team of German street artists specializing in murals. Jasmin Siddiqui, or "Hera," and Falk Lehman, "Akut," call themselves graffiti artists, most of their work is commissioned; smaller Herakut works have also been exhibited more formally in galleries. They have also released two books: The Perfect Merge and After the Laughter, which are retrospectives covering 2004-2009 and 2009-2011, respectively.
I don't hold any special claims of being an art critic of any kind. I took the requisite art history classes in college, and have always had an appreciation for "good" (read: talented) art. I have always been of the school "All art is unique, and if someone puts forth the effort to do something the rest of us didn't think of, or were incapable of doing, that is art." I've always had the deepest respect for art from all walks of life: the classic, the surreal, those artists who graduated from art school, and those who (incredibly) are self-taught and making a living from what they are doing. One thing I can bring to the table- because its not artistic talent- is an appreciation for the art that others are capable of creating. What I feel qualifies me to critique art is the knowledge of what makes my heart skip a beat and what awakens my soul. This insanely talented couple named "Herakut", does both.
Herakut could teach the rest of the art world a lesson in humble beginnings, dedication, and remaining true to your heart's messages. They are self-professed "graffiti artists" but that simplistic and self-deprecating handle seems completely unfitting to the gorgeous power of their detailed, incredible work. I don't know the entire story behind their art, or what fuels their inspiration, but their messages are truly universal. It is at times dark and sinister; at others, whimsical and childlike; and always thought-provoking. It lives and breathes on the walls and canvases. It is a reminder of hope in this dark mad world. You can practically envision a silver lining on each and every art piece.
I have always gravitated towards the movement of art known as "magic realism"- the technique that combines mystical, magical themes in the everyday world. Herakut seems to ascribe to this particular art, with its themes of winged creatures, monsters, angels and demons, innocence and street smarts.
The best art makes you question the world around you, connects you to the universe and establishes an emotional response in the viewer. I would have to say that Herakut succeeds in all of the above. The eyes gazing out of their murals, the tenderness of the mother embracing her baby in the shot below, and the vivid brushstrokes in each and every piece, all convey a message that is truly universal to one and all. They are people living in a parallel world, a reflection of ours somehow. They make their audience dream a little brighter and bigger.
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