Graffiti is more than just a hobby for Chicago-based graffiti artist Ray Noland; it’s a way of life. He has a penchant for creating works of street art inspired by political figures. Back during the 2008 election season, Noland helped contribute to Barack Obama’s grassroots campaign by creating mesmerizing stencil graffiti pieces. More recently, Noland has unleashed two new pieces onto the streets of Chicago: “Run Blago Run” and “Survivor Blago.”

The first piece illustrates the former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich as he was often seen by paparazzi – in his black tracksuit jogging around the neighborhood. His original designs included a running Blagojevich escaping from Barack Obama, Blagojevich holding ferocious attack dogs, and Blagojevich casually chatting on his cell phone. The second shows just what could have been: Blagojevich trying to start a fire as a contestant on a new Survivor-like reality show entitled I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! In case you were unaware, the former Governor was trying to head down to the Costa Rican jungle to partake in this show while his team lawyers sorted out the array of charges filed against him. Many officials, including the FBI, were afraid that he would use the opportunity of being outside the US to skip out on his trial, so they made sure a judge denied his request to leave the country.

When asked about the inspiration for the first stencil piece, Noland stated that,

“The image of Blagojevich jogging around Ravenswood in the middle of winter (snow on the ground) in that black track suit was an instant classic,”

For some reason, even dogs don’t like the former Governor.

Here’s a fresh stencil graffiti piece by ABOVE. It features none other than a greedy AIG executive doing what he does best — cheating & stealing. This is one of my personal favorites — I love the triumphant expression on his chubby face. Be sure to watch the video below. Have a great Easter Sunday everyone!

A Triumphant AIG Exec

I think by now, most of us realize who is for the war in Iraq, and who is against it. But for those who do not, here is a visual clue. This dazzling (and somewhat bizzare) anti-war mural was spotted in Berkeley, California. Stenciled on the bottom of the wall is a collection of American skylines, from New York to San Fransico. Credits to New River Head.

Sarah Palin Parachutes In

John McCain has Been Rejected in Berkeley

Sarah Palin Parachute Close-up

John McCain Drops Bullet Shells in Berkeley

A Close-Up of John McCain's Mouth

John McCain Drops Some Missiles in Berkeley

A Wide Shot of the John McCain and Sarah Palin Stencil Graffiti Mural in Berkeley

Last week, this stencil piece by graffiti artist Above surfaced outside a bank in Lisbon, Portugal. If you’ve never heard of Above, he’s an eccentric twenty-something artist who travels the world and shares his art. He’s been handcuffed 9 different times. Six times were from police officers in 4 different countries. The other three times were from women in the bedroom. Watch the video.

STEALING FROM THE RICH from ABOVE on Vimeo.