Although graffiti often comes as vandalism immediately, other artists see it as art. Graffiti portrays many different meanings that are unique to the artist. Some graffiti artists paint their signature or logo in as many places as possible. Others do not care about tagging their art everywhere and are more concerned with it's appeal an want it to be a masterpiece. The purpose of what graffiti does is varied; it can be used to tell a story about people, politics, art, places, movements, and society.
Still, without permission graffiti is a crime. Most places that a graffitist paints at are often around tunnels and train yards which are often dark cramped with health risks just to create pleasing works. There are legal venues for such artists that could get paid but sometimes artists don't feel the same spirit and intensity than when they do it without permission. I don't always agree with the messages that the graffiti conveys and I still struggle to see the beauty in painting unique designs on walls. But, the techniques used to create them are creative and do express ideas and emotions like artwork. How do you feel about graffiti? Does it matter where graffiti is published?
I like graffiti and it should be considered an art. It often makes bland, neglected places more colorful and entrancing. Some graffiti include intricate paintings and cartoons comparable to murals, and, in my opinion, cause minimal damage if any. However, as you pointed out, it is still vandalism, despite the attractiveness of the work.
ReplyDeleteI feel like graffiti artists need an outlet to express themselves, and this is their outlet. It is okay to restrict some places from graffiti where it is not appropriate (fences, private property, etc.). However, some of the rules are too strict in my opinion. I believe that if the graffiti is not offensive and blocking anything, it is okay to put it there. If it is not harming anyone or any property, what really is the harm?
ReplyDeleteGraffiti art is something that has intrigued me for my whole life. I never understood how such beautiful masterpieces could even be created. I also wondered why the artist would get such a bad rep. I understand that they are doing wrong if they painted on private property or were told specifically not to do it at a certain place. But as Makaela said, they need a place to express themselves. In a sense, the world is their canvas. Going where they please to paint a mural of intricacy and beauty is a part of them. If they could have a place to express what is on their minds and show the world their talent and not breaking any laws, that would be best
ReplyDeleteBeing from very cultured cities such as Long Beach and LA, graffiti is a huge part of our culture. I think the murals and messages covering buildings is beautiful, which is truly an art form. However, a large percentage of the graffiti seen are various gang tags. While I do not promote them, I think that it is still an art form, despite the negative connotations. As for where the graffiti is made, as long as it isn't on privately owned property, I personally don't care. I see pretty much all graffiti as beautiful, no matter the form, as long as it represents my city.
ReplyDeleteGraffiti should be something that should be contained. as in artists should have some place to express themselves, and only artists. As some graffiti is just profanity or gang related. Graffiti shouldn't be just placed on someone else's property, but there should be a places where it is okay such as potentially a bridge if it really is art, and not just something random profanity on the side of the road. It's a type of art form that is from locals, and makes it reflective of that culture giving it cultural value. However, there should be a balance between uplifting local artists and restrictions on those who wish to just write random stuff on walls. It can have a beauty, but is often times from what I have seen random words on the side of the road. It wouldn't have too much of a stigma if it were contained to just art and didn't violate property.
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