TALKS

In 2011, Chip Southworth was at the top of Jacksonville’s local art scene. But the city was experiencing heightened racial tensions because its City Council had once again failed to pass a Human Rights Ordinance. Taking to the streets at night as “Keith Haring’s Ghost,” Chip anonymously painted Keith Haring-inspired pieces on public utility boxes over a seven-month period. The street art sparked conversation and controversy, culminating with a raid on his home and police taking the artist into custody. In his TEDxJacksonville talk, Southworth discusses his experience, as well as the groundswell of community support it evoked, and argues for a re-evaluation of the significance of street art in establishing a city’s identity. Don’t censor street art, he insists: “Let the art go. Let it be cutting edge, thought-provoking, emotional and make statements that will better our lives.”