Rhetorical Analysis of "Sidewalk Chalk"
Rhetorical Analysis of "Sidewalk Chalk: Kurt Wenner’s New Classicism"
“Sidewalk Chalk: Kurt Wenner’s New Classicism” by Jesse Hernandez who writes one article for each issue of Juxtapoz, which is released every six months. In the 2002 January/ February edition of this elaborate art magazine Hernandez stumbled across a remarkable sidewalk artist with the taste for classicism art. Classicism art is created from the ancient mythological period or classical era. It’s the beginning for art itself. In Hernandez’s article he gets to talk face to face with the artist. Hernandez gives a feeling to the readers as if they were interviewing him themselves. In Hernandez’s article he focuses his 32 questions that will bring out Wenner’s thoughts, feelings, and work put into the classicism art that he demonstrates to the public streets today. Hernandez starts off by letting the readers know that, just by being told about Wenner’s work does not compare to actually laying eyes on it for yourself. Hernandez is emotionally moved as he learns of a “new version of street smarts” he realizes that pavement surfaces are not just only to be walked on. This is a reason that prompts Hernandez to inform the general public or art enthusiasts that great talent can lie on streets all over the world.
Hernandez writes of Wenner’s work with a desire to know more about Classicism. Hernandez takes a look at the interest of the classicism movement through Wenner’s eyes. After learning classicism structure and traditions he moves on to different ways erosion takes its play at Wenner’s work. Wenner answers by telling Hernandez that wind, dirt, sun, and public traffic do wear away his work. The artist then goes on to explain that it is all a part of performance art. This is where Wenner, makes a comparison by saying, “ It’s very much like attending a symphony. When the music ends, everyone leaves with a memory of the music.” That’s essentially what it’s all about. Looking at the majestic work can only leave an impression in your mind. Hernandez is being beneficial to Wenner by opening the eyes of many people to such a unique art, before it has the chance to fade away. Hernandez is dealing with a man who is bringing back old classical art as the new version “classicism.” Which, is a style that isn’t performed or taught any more, but still carries...