Amazing Artwork, 100 Cars At A Time

Where I live, the city Portage in Kalamazoo County in South-Western Michigan, we are privileged enough to have a rather lengthy railroad circle of track that basically bisects the town. Privileged, you say? Why, aren’t trains the epitome of annoyance when you’re stopped to let one pass especially while in a hurry for the hospital or a huge sale at Macy’s? Yeah, I’ll grant you that a fully-loaded and serpentine, hundred-car train can be a drag as it slowly clacks by ad infinitum. But, let me point out that it’s times like that when you can really stop and enjoy some of the coolest traveling graffiti ever seen!  Being an artist myself, I really do see the beauty and extensive work put into otherwise illegal activity. Maybe you don’t typically pay attention, but once you see it and realize that this beautiful and oft ignored artistry is splayed out right in front of you, it certainly makes getting held up by a train that much more fun. Trust me, if you live in even the most ass-backwards industrial village, chances are pretty damn good you have a rail. Next time a train trundles by, stop for a second (or a half hour, in some cases) and really take in a neat show. Here I have done a bit of the work for you with some awe inspiring graffiti as well as the links to where each image was located. Enjoy!

Here’s an example of Subway graffiti. Just as pretty, it’s just underground.

I am by no means a graffiti reading expert, but I do know it says DENZ. Artist’s name?

Like I said, I woud have no Earthly idea what this says were it not for the title: WAKE.

I especially love the ‘cartoonish’ feel of the work done here on this European train.

Maybe not one of the more spectacular pieces, but it does beg the question if perhaps it’s unfinished.

I have to wonder what kind of time frame these artists have when painting? Judging by the circles in the upper letters, a bit, I’d say.

Just amazing. I’m floored by the elaborate work achieved with just spray paint.

There is just so much going on here I can’t fathom attempting to see it all on a fast-moving train.

I think what particularly strikes about this piece is the simple fact that it’s done right under the U.P. logo. Classic.

Though it is hard to discern completely, this does look vaguely similar to some of the work on the train by me.

As cool as this is (and it is), I still have no clue what it says.

Hey! I can figure this one out! It says REEPS! There really ought to be a translation for some of these.

Aww… aren’t those letters cute! That’s it, I’m gettin’ some spray paint…