ADMITTEDLY, I POSSESS no understanding of train art. Yet, I appreciate it. Not as the graffiti it is by definition, but rather because I see the images and words as art. A traveling art gallery. I doubt railroad companies would agree.
Watch any train pass by or view a line of parked box or tanker cars and you likely will see this art form. Whenever I spot this art, I wonder, “How and when do these artists manage to paint these sprawling words and images without getting caught?”
Then I try to decipher the words, which are mostly indecipherable to me. My eyes can’t separate the often over-sized uppercase letters that jam together. Even standing back to read from a distance usually doesn’t help.
But occasionally I figure something out and then it’s like a moment of confused clarity. Why this word? Why this art? Why this fiery orange dragon (if that’s really what it is) stretching the length of a boxcar?
For the artist, like any visual artist, there is meaning behind the art. I’m just not privy to the backstory. Sure, some of what I’m seeing could be gang graffiti. But mostly, I expect it is not. And if I view the train art in Faribault, for example, that doesn’t mean the work originated locally. Likely it did not. Trains travel all over the country.
There are exceptions, though. While looking at art on short rows of parked boxcars a few months back in Faribault, a young couple was doing likewise. I asked whether they were the artists. The response from one: “I can neither confirm nor deny.” Later, as I rounded the row of boxcars and the pair were heading for two vehicles parked nearby, I got my answer. There, along the bottom edge of a boxcar, block letters dripped baby blue paint. DOLLFACE had left her signature.
Other artists left their signatures, too, or what I can only assume are their signatures, along with dates, messages and social commentary. It’s all a bit of a mystery to me.
But I appreciate the skill, the effort, the creativity, the vibrant hues that go into creating this art form. Long ago, hobos—who today would be termed as “homeless”—rode the rails and left their art upon boxcars primarily as a way to communicate. Train art has a longstanding history in this country.
And that continues today. Perhaps not in the same way. But assuredly as an art form. Or as graffiti, depending on perspective.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
you would be surprised at who decorates the cars behind old FBO foods and Casper siding! Real surprised.
Care to enlighten me, Lorenzo? Privately, meaning I won’t publish your comment.
I love that you found this and looked into it more deeply. I also consider this art, public art. It gives creatives a place to express themselves and leave their mark . For some, the non-sanctioned part of it may add to the thrill, and for others, a free canvas and a chance to be noticed or make a statement. I love finding these pieces and trying to understand them. I agree with you, that looks like a dragon to me, but hard to make out the words . Great post
Yes, this is definitely public art. I agree with all your points. Thank you for appreciating this unique art form.
This is interesting. Good question…graffiti or art? Some train cars are not as artistic…
In the eyes of the beholder, I suppose.
It’s definatly an interesting art form. I like the humor in the exit plan and the bright colors. I’m sure the rail road would prefer not to have people use box cars and their canvas. I always wonder why these artists aren’t trying to market their art in another way or maybe they are
That’s an interesting point about whether these artists are trying to market their art elsewhere. I like the exit plan humor also.