Graffiti, for people who aren’t familiar, is writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface without permission and within pubic view. It is mostly made as a form of artistic expression by some who maybe don’t have access to any other medium or outlet. Graffiti ranges from wimple written words to elaborate wall paintings and has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire.
Today, spray paint and marker pens have become commonly used to create graffiti, with many different types and styles of it making it a rapidly developing art form in certain cultures. Graffiti is considered a controversial subject within the art community. In most countries, making or painting property without permission is considered defacement and vandalism, which is a punishable crime. Many authorities and law enforcements cite the use of graffiti as street gangs marking their territory or serving as an indicator of gang-related activities.
On the other hand, graffiti artists, particularly marginalized artists with no access to mainstream media, resist this viewpoint to display their art or political views in public locations. The life of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat illustrates the subjective nature of the public response and view of graffiti. Basquiat started out as a street artist chased by authorities, and later sold one of his paintings for over $100,000,000.
Basquiat’s “The Nile” 1983
As with many debates, there are exceptions to to the inclusion of graffiti into the art world. Graffiti that is clearly related to drugs, violence, and gangs is not considered art. It is important in this debate to understand the difference between tagger and graffiti artists. Taggers are usually inexperienced adolescents who scribble on the walls of public and private buildings; whereas graffiti artists create a thought-out artistic piece.
Graffiti is simply a form of expression. when done properly and and with purpose, graffiti can be beautiful piece of art. Many suggest that the graffiti platform is on the rise, with certain artists, who categorize themselves as graffiti artists, becoming successful in selling their artworks.
Including its increasing prominence and demand, graffiti usually carries an important message or stance. Because graffiti is a form of expression, many artists use the platform to express a comment about society. Therefore, graffiti is beneficial for the community in providing individuals the voice to express their opinions and stances about a certain issue. All in all, with the right message and the right placement of graffiti, many will come to the conclusion that graffiti is a form of art.