Why Graffiti Should Be Considered Art, Not Vandalism

Contemporary art can be defined as art created in today’s 21st century. It is distinct from contemporary art, which is art that has departed significantly from traditional values and styles. The modern art was followed by contemporary. Contemporary artists live in a globalized, multiculturally diverse, technologically advanced environment. Their art is a dynamic blend of materials. Contemporary art, which is eclectic and diverse, stands out because it lacks a common organizing principle, ideology, nor ‘-ism’.

Graffiti is a form of graffiti that has existed since the first century BC. However, it has changed with the times. Graffiti can still be found everywhere. Graffiti is everywhere. Most cities have graffiti all over the place. Today, graffiti has become a common form of art. You can find many different styles and types of graffiti. This art form is rapidly evolving. Graffiti is controversial in many countries. Property owners as well as civic authorities view the marking or painting of property without permission as defacement. It is also considered vandalism and defacement by criminals. Graffiti artists have resisted this viewpoint to display their art or political views in public locations.Contemporary art in some ways have change the notions about graffiti. Graffiti has become so popular that some corporations have adopted it. Graffiti has been used by youths to express themselves creatively in their sociopolitical dissatisfactions and joys. Street artists from the East End often mock politicians and other societies. Shepard Fairey also used graffiti, street art, and other media to spread messages about politics and human rights. His famous poster, “Obama Hope,” attracted much attention as it was an expression of hope and promise during the 2008 US Presidential Elections. An additional poster, entitled Demagogue, was made years later. Fairey clearly captured all that he wanted it to convey with one word and an indirect nod towards Trump.

Graffiti has been a communication tool for artists over the years. Banksy, an iconic street artist reminds us that graffiti can be used as a communication tool. Banksy’s statement highlights the positive side to graffiti and why it is important to be recognized. Graffiti can bring life to dark places and encourage creativity. Graffiti has always been influenced heavily by political and social issues. Many people felt powerless to take this art form and make anonymous protests. This ability can be extremely powerful as it can allow artists to feel heard and challenge society’s thinking patterns.

Graffiti artists have used the opportunity to make a living out of decaying and economically viable spaces. In East End, street artists are able to ask building owners whether they would allow them paint on their homes. Many owners agree to allow street artists to paint on their buildings, which adds a unique view and attracts customers. Street artists can also be hired to do street art. Carron says that some street artists are leaving the illegal work. These artists seek creative ways to show their creativity while adhering to the law. This can be done by asking the property owner for permission or taking on commissions.

Graffiti has always been underground and graffiti artists don’t usually get much attention when they are out on the streets. It has been a long-running battle to eliminate graffiti in cities such as Chicago and Portland. Chicago’s graffiti-blasters have destroyed both historic and commissioned murals. JC Rivera’s mural was even removed within two weeks. Spray paint is also prohibited in some cities. Chicago prohibits spray paint sales within the city limits. Portland has a requirement that graffiti artists keep records of who they have purchased from. The police can inspect these records and make a decision about whether to ban spray paint sales. Spray paint sales are also prohibited in New York City and Los Angeles. Graffiti can also be punished with fines, volunteering work, and even jail time.

Graffiti can also lead to death. Michael Stewart, a graffiti artist was murdered by New York’s transit police after he was accused of graffiti art on the First Avenue subway station. The trial of the officers who arrested him for graffiti writing on the subway wall at the First Avenue station in New York City sparked controversy about police brutality and their responsibilities in dealing with suspects.

Employment and legal graffiti are now big business. All you need is permission from the owners to use their artwork on everything from railroad boxescars to walls. Young graffiti artists are eager to show their talent and strive to become entrepreneurs. Employing graffiti artists in local businesses can increase their reputation and improve the business-customer relationship. It is also believed that it reduces crime through employment. The ‘King of Murals,’ a New York City-based graffiti artist business, is one of the most prominent groups. They are often used in advertising campaigns to promote global brands such M&Ms and Coca-Cola. They can also be hired by schools and hospitals to create art. However, the authorities were not happy with graffiti used in commercial marketing.

To curb street advertising, Los Angeles implemented a mural moratorium across the city in 2002. Although the ban was lifted in 2013, strict regulations were established to prevent commercial messages from street murals. Today, community-based murals continue to pop up in inner city ghettos. These murals are a result of the inspirations and works of watershed.

Graffiti can be considered vandalism even though it is illegal. However, those with creative eyes will find messages or meanings in graffiti. Graffiti can be considered art. Graffiti is a form of art that can be expressed in singing, dancing or drawing. Each person sees art in a different way. For me, a simple line is a work or art. Someone else might view it as damage to property. Graffiti is not considered art if it’s vandalism. It is often the location that influences our opinions about graffiti. A wall that states “Art isn’t a crime” in the middle or nowhere might seem unattractive and disrespectful. It may have been written illegally. Many people react to the graffiti at Hollywood’s Young Circle with a wistful look. This graffiti is simple and yet so beautiful. Take photos. Your opinion shouldn’t be affected by where it is. What we think is true, we judge what we see. We don’t assume that someone has permission to paint on a wall illegally.

Graffiti, which is the act of someone expressing their thoughts or desires through art, is beautiful. One word, one phrase, or one person can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Every person has their own personality, thoughts, and experiences. Sometimes graffiti is a way for them to share theirs with the world. Vandals may be artists, but vandals don’t have to be artists. It doesn’t mean art has to be illegal to be art. I’d be open to the possibility of waking up with graffiti on a wall.

Graffiti on private property might be illegal but I consider it an acceptable art form. Artists can make a strong statement in their local communities. Although it can be hard to distinguish between graffiti and gang symbols, it adds culture to an otherwise industrial landscape. You can paint with many different materials and canvas. Why not create a cityscape from nothing? There’s a difference between graffiti or vandalism. While I don’t recommend causing property damage, I have seen fine examples that could be photographed.

Graffiti is a long-standing art form. It is mostly tasteful, let’s be honest. Graffiti does not harm anyone. In fact, there are far more serious crimes than graffiti. Graffiti isn’t a crime.

References

Original: The author illustrated the point very clearly

Paraphrased: The writer made the point apparent

Shoenberger, Elisa “Despite Graffiti’s Global Popularity, Cities Still Criminalize It” Artsy, 18 july 2019, https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-despite-graffitis-global-popularity-cities-criminalize

Christine MacDonald. Street Art used to be the voice of the people. Now It’s the Voice of Advertisers.” In These Times, 11 March 2019, https://inthesetimes.com/article/21732/street-art-murals-corporations-advertising-los-angeles-muralism-graffiti

Lucero Sage “Shepard Fairey” Medium, 12 Aug 2018.

Green, Madeleynn “A Beautiful Mess: The Evolution of Political Graffiti in the Contemporary City” Journal Quest, 11 August 2019, www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1699/a-beautiful-mess-the-evolution-of-political-graffiti-in-the-contemporary-city