Graffiti - is it art?
Graffiti - art or vandalism?
Is graffiti an art form? Is it legal? The answer, similar to the answer to lots of questions, is 'it depends' and that is relatively straightforward. But the other question remains - is it art?
The images you see on this page were taken by us when we attended a graffiti event locally. It was one of the best art events I have ever been to. The air was alive with an atmosphere of creativity - and the lingering smell of spray paint, of course. There was no avoiding that.
The artists started work in the afternoon as as darkness fell, and this ordinary, rather run-down area became alive with color, music and energy. It was street art at its best. Or maybe I should call it performance art? This was, after all a legal event and part of the excitement was watching the artists at work.
I was amazed at the skill and dedication they demonstrated too. The energy they showed was fabulous - the way they climbed stepladders and makeshift ladders formed from old pallets. Many had their entire families there to watch the 'show' and in addition to the art and the energy, it was also a social event.
All images © BritFlorida or Andy Royston and taken on iPhones. iPhoneography is another art which is debated by traditional critics. This, of course, is in the same way that painters decried photography in the nineteenth century or the way that doom-mongers 'predicted' that television would mean the end of the film industry...
About the event
This was a legal event in that the artists were painting the buildings with the owner's permission. They are old warehouses in a Fort Lauderdale district called FAT Village; the arts and technology district. The warehouses, now studios for artists and craftspeople, run parallel to the railroad track.In many cases, like the one you see above, the artist (and often, his or her assistant) prepared the building in advance by painting their 'canvas' in a base color.
In this case, you can see that the artist had prepared the wall by painting it a wonderful pink color. There I am, sitting on one of the huge used truck tires that were scatted around the waste ground between the railway tracks and the warehouse buildings. These too were 'attacked' by the artists and painted in bright colors.
In one of the warehouses, boards had been set up and others worked on those.This photograph was taken on the day after the event. You see, I had been so delighted by the previous evening, by the carnival atmosphere, the energy and creativity, that I decided that we should go back the following day.
Even though the area was now very quiet, the artwork remained spectacular.Yes, artwork. You see, I am firmly in favor of any efforts that are made to brighten up public areas that would otherwise be dowdy and run-down.
Definitions of 'art' vary widely. Mine? To me, art is, or should be, something that makes people a little happier, something that makes us smile. I'm not talking about the graffiti that features meaningless words (usually words you wouldn't want a four year old to read) or that is meaningless daubs, I am referring to artwork that is skilled and well, cheerful enough to brighten the day.
Who is Banksy?
Well, we know that he's the most famous graffiti artist today but really, that's all we know. Don't you find it fascinating that books are written about him, posters and prints are sold, even guide books are available - all about an anonymous person? The nearest guess we have is that he is a Bristol lad who relocated to London and the name Robin Gunningham has been mentioned but we don't really know ... yet. That in itself is pretty amazing in today's transparent internet-driven world.
The original art form?
A gazillion or so years ago, a caveman (or more likely, cave woman) picked up a charred stick and drew on the wall of a cave. Examples of graffiti from ancient cultures still exist today. They are often cited as a means by which historians learn more about the culture of the day. Doesn't the present day version have a great deal to say about today's culture and society? I believe it does..
My favorite
I fully intend to have this photograph printed onto canvas. The free-form paint is just stunning and the grids formed by the gates give it a geometry that pleases my eye. I love the colors. A definition of art is a personal thing but if my definition is 'something that makes me happy' then this is true art that I want to see on my wall every day.Jackson Pollock, eat your heart out.
I have read a report that says that recently, a Pollock was sold at Christie's for $58,363,750. Look at that number again! Yes, I'd like to own that and either resell it or leave it to my family as a superb legacy but would I have it on my wall? No, I think I prefer my photograph.It makes me happy.
Body art?
I love this photograph. It shows someone turning up for the street art event. You can see what looks to be the artwork reflected in the chrome work of this classic car. But what makes me chuckle is that the driver has tattoos. That is another ancient art form that is incredibly popular today.
What do you think?
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@ideadesigns: I love that shot too :)
Love the body art pic! Great lens topic, love art. :)
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@Brite-Ideas: Exactly! Although if it was Banksy it could increase the value :)
It's art, without question, it's art - but if it's painted on the side of MY house, then it's vandalism! lol
The great graffiti exponents are genuine artists, and things like the work produced by ROA or Banksy are excellent examples of stunning street art!
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@anonymous: Thank you so much for visiting!
I struggle with the "right" answer, if there even is one. I think each has to be looked at what it is, where it is, etc. I love when cities donate areas for artists to do their craft. I have seen such beautiful work making old run down places look wonderful..When someone is just defacing personal property, no permission and such, then no.
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@merfzel: Thank you!
"My Favorite" is amazing! So beautiful and rustic....love it. Nice lens
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@gamingprotips: That's a very good response indeed. Thank you.
I'm open to a lot of different types of art forms. In the past some of these forms were made under oppression so while it may be easy to think that graffiti is not art, I'd take that on a case by case basis.
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@girlfriendfactory: Yep, and that's why the event I described was so interesting. By giving people the ability to showcase what they do, rather than seeing it as defacement, events like these can only be a positive thing. They brighten up horrible buildings, provide a 'canvas' that people otherwise don't have and allow them to entertain others plus make some money at the same time. A good thing for everyone, I think.
In the states, in August, 2013, police shot and killed a graffiti artist. He was spotted and ran. The cops said, "We told him to stop. He didn't." So, they killed him. Personally, those cops should be jailed- for a long time. But, graffiti is not art. It is a sub-culture of vandalism- for the most part. A small segment of graffiti vandals have a social message- a SMALL segment. Most are just taggers, real scum bags who virtually hate their neighbors, small business owners, and old ladies whose life savings are in their home, in a neighborhood de-valued by spray paint vandalism. Still, even the social message painters are wrong. The message can't be easily removed, causes tension and upset in neighbors, and costs money to be removed.
I agree about graffiti not being art...it's artistic sometimes but usually it's tags and gang signs. We saw it all over Europe, too. If they are so passionate, hop over to the junkyard and pick up some metal scrap to paint instead of defacing something that doesn't belong to you. Or get permission from the building owners. I'm sure that takes away "they're" purpose, but oh well.
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@ManfromModesto LM: Wow, I didn't know that story about the shooting. Thanks for letting me know - I'll look it up. Regarding your other comments, that's why I believe that events like the one I described above are so important. Others seemed to agree because the work that was done on boards was selling very well indeed. It also demonstrated well to the truly skilled that they could make money from their work, rather than being furtive.
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@DuaneJ: Thank you Duane - me too!
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@SamanthaHaupt: It can be so lovely, can't it?
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@SamanthaHaupt: It can be so lovely, can't it?
I love the artwork featured here. Have always been a fan of graffiti.
Graffiti is mesmerizing and very pleasing to the eye. I'm always amazed at the talent behind the work.
Goldenecho said it well. Art no matter where it is. But remember that one definition of a weed is a flower growing where you don't want it. We should definitely respect other's property. I love street art, though.
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@goldenecho: Very true!
I agree with Cashguro. It is art, in the right place. It's even art in the wrong place, but our artistic expression should respect other's rights. I honestly wish thought that trains would just invite people to graffiti them, legally. It's so much more interesting to be stuck at a crosswalk looking at a train with graffiti than one without. :-)
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@CASHGURU: Thanks for visiting!
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@jupiter justice: Thank you so much!
Graffiti is art in the right place. excellent lens
Art for sure when its more than a tag! Great lens you have here, I like the quality images and colorful artwork. Asher
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@GoldstarBizCoach: Lovely comments - thank you!
Great question! As a teacher, I worked with a tough group of students - jail to release to school, abuse, drugs, poverty you name it. I used their love of rap and graffiti to engage them in science and keep them wanting to come back. It is art and brightens our world.
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@Greathaul2013: Thank you!
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@JenwithMisty: That's true!
Of course it is art. Cool pics!
I think it's an art. But not everyone is qualified to be doing it... LOL
Some graffiti is definitely art work, some is most definitely not. Just like paintings on canvas or paper.
cool lens, i like it
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@karencurtis: What a lovely comment - thank you!
Its beautiful... people do such creative things on the sides of ugly buildings. One of my favorite things is turning a random corner in the city and stumbling upon something that an artist gave to the community for free!
I believe its pure and natural art
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@JackCohen: I think so too :)
Graffiti is actually a legitimate element of hip-hop, which is as true as an art form as painting is. There's a long and rich history behind graffiti that many do not know about...it's quite interesting actually!
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@Deadicated LM: I think it's a good idea to beautify derelict or ugly spaces with art. Here, professional mural artists are employed at a cost to the city and ultimately the taxpayer (me!) I prefer the less formal way as it adds more excitement and is truly street art. Thanks so much for visiting, by the way!
Some of it is; as long as you don't damage someone's property in the process. They have an old building in LIC (Long Island City) NYC that was dedicated to graffiti, its slated to be razed for condos.
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@JohnTannahill: It's always a pleasure to see you visiting, John - you forgot 'bring back the birch' :)
Bring back National Service I say! Seriously, is it art? If it was created by someone who calls themselves an artist and displayed in an art context, then yes. A street art event would be such a context. The other side of my garden fence would not be. Your favourite is my favourite too.
so beautiful posters.great lens.i like colors
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@josietook: Thanks so much!
Graffiti can look amazing, great lens!!
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@tiamanton: I think so too.
graffiti is an amazing art
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@mel-kav: That's what I loved about this event. I hope there'll be more.
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@tok2gman: Thanks for dropping by :)
I am always amazed by graffiti. Some of these people are wonderful artists. It's a shame they don't put their talents to good use, though, instead of vandalizing property.
I like your lens and its subject matter. Thanks for sharing. Graffiti is definitely an art form with a lot of political and socioeconomic history attached to it. Cheers.
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@Carol Houle: That's true!
Your favorite is mine, too. Though I wouldn't like to see it in front of my door year after year.
I think graffiti can be beautiful yes. Tags on the other hand, where these boys and girls go out and 'tag' silly looking ugly words on walls and other public places are ugly and unwanted and even more silly.
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@mjo78910: I think so too :)
Graffiti is cool!
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put a control on the quality and quantity . too much will become vandalism. thanks for sharing
i think graffiti is art but as long as it is not done sneaky and meant to deface a place.
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@SheGetsCreative: That's an interesting observation. In a way it's strange that graffiti can have regional variations but sometimes I'm amazed at how similar it can be throughout the world.
I've seen some amazing urban art and some horrible destructive graffiti. Having lived most of my life on the west side of the US, I was amazed at the stylized graffiti I saw in some Brooklyn tunnels visiting NYC a few years back. Most of the "tags" in LA and the OC are just boring and seem to serve no other purpose than destroying property. The Brooklyn "tags" were multi-colored, puffy style letters that looked way more artistic.
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@maryseena: That's a very good way of putting it:)
There's art in graffiti, but not all graffiti is art!
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@katespetcorner1: I love it when it brightens up the day.
I love graffiti when it is done properly. I don't like tagging.
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@Angelee1027: Well said!
I think graffiti is absolutely art! However, I don't believe that means it's okay to put that art on property that doesn't belong to you. Art or not, it would still be considered destruction of property in my opinion.
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@Scarlettohairy: Exactly :)
I think graffiti is just as much art as any other art form. Why not?
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@CrazyHomemaker: I'm so pleased that so many people who have commented feel the same way I do - thank you!
Your lens brings up a really cool subject! Love it! I love graffiti. I sit at the RR tracks and watch the cars go by. Some of them have really cool stuff painted on them. A lot of these artists are really good. The ones I don't like are just for vandalism's sake. You can tell which those are.
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@Mary Stephenson: That's what I love - the humor and the unexpected. Here artists are encouraged to paint murals on those ugly fences you see around construction sites and they make the place so much more attractive. My other half also is doing some work or the city to create pleasing graphics on those ugly utility boxes seen round in most towns.
My city is tired of the graffiti on buildings and power boxes. They have started painting murals on them. For some reason they don't usually vandalize them after that is done. It is a shame that most of the graffiti is due to gangs and who wants that kind in your neighborhood. Cleaning up right away helps to cut down on it. Done with the art in mind, much of it can be extremely interesting. Tell a story or amuse me, just don't put your gang graffiti in my city. The artist work in London is priceless and well worth the keep. Don't we all want some humor and enjoyment from the unexpected.
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@Susan Zutautas: They really should. It makes people appreciate the artists and gives the artists a legal platform. Let's hope more events like this take place.
I'd say it's art. More cities should have street art events like this one.
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@bluelily lm: Which is why it's so often used for social comment.
Definitely graffiti is an ancient art form, it's lettering alongside depiction of images gives it a distinct look and feel which not look unique but grabs your attention instantly.
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@RinchenChodron: It really was an incredible event.
I agree art should make you happy! Not all of it does. This looks like a great event. Turned out bright and beautiful.
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@CampingmanNW: That's why I wrote about a legal event:)
Graffiti as Art? Defacing private or public property without permission is never considered "Art" regardless of the 'free expression' angle or 'energy' or whatever descriptor is used to justify doing so. When freely commissioned to paint a mural, then is can be classified as "art." Just a thought.
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@rattie lm: If a building is defaced, then that is certainly vandalism. If it takes time and money to restore the building that's an even bigger headache. But as you say, as an art form I love it when it's done responsibly.
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@SteveKaye: I agree Steve. That's why I loved the organised event - it was such a treat!
Not so fond of the graffiti on my neighbour's newly-renovated home. What is inside the head of people who do this? Graffiti as an art form I like.
Some graffiti is art. And some is trash. The big issue is where people put it.
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@anonymous: That's a very good way of explaining it.
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@CelebStyle LM: I agree. As the grandmother of a little girl who can now read, I hate to see certain works scrawled in public places!
I agree that graffiti is an liberal art as long as not disturbing the other people...
Graffiti art, as long as it's tasteful (no swearing etc and more than just a gang logo or name) is one of my favorite art forms.
I've seen some amazing pieces of graffiti and some of the people who create them are very talented artists.
amazing
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@smine27: Yes, I agree. Different countries have different laws but in most it is seen as vandalism if it's done without the permission of the property owner. I wish that the artists were given more legal ways to do it, like the event I've described here. That would be wonderful.
Wow, some of the artwork are stunning. Of course here in Japan, people don't do graffiti as much as it is illegal. I actually like graffiti if it's done with prior permission but not when it's vandalism.
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@LoriBeninger: They must definitely be done with the approval of the property owner, I agree,
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@LynetteBell: Tagging is vandalism certainly if it's done illegally. However, I do believe that graffiti is an art under controlled circumstances. Best of both worlds :)
The examples you show are beautiful and I quite like them. But we see far more mindless tagging than art in our neighborhoods. Maybe "rules" could be considered (although I'm sure that would already go against the grain of many): must contain multiple colors, must be done with the permission of the person who owns the "canvas" and must be done in broad daylight!
In Christchurch since the earthquakes we've had some lovely works of art painted on the side of the buildings sill standing but the taggers that deface people's property make me sad and angry. Tagging is not art it's vandalism.
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