Vandalizing vs. Showcasing

Art is such a broad world and graffiti is definitely a form of art. But, there are factors as to why people are so against graffiti, like tags, which are names and nicknames to show the artist which in my opinion isn’t enough to be art. I think graffiti is an art and just because some people do it illegally doesn’t mean it isn’t art. What makes art? And what is the main issue with Graffiti on private property? What are some things we can do to prevent these issues?

Tags, like small ones that are just a name or close to, I don’t believe is an art form, like they state: “He makes a distinction between simple tags and more complicated pieces, stating that tags have little aesthetic appeal and probably should not be considered art” (Stowers 3). The stylization of graffiti color, time, effort, and ideas make art, Stowers talks about it being able to send a message like police brutality.

One big factor is graffiti on private property and how it is not ok and how people feel about it like Gary Culotti. Like Gary Culotti who owns a business, he doesn’t want graffiti on his walls: “It’s not art, it may infect the art, but they shouldn’t be putting it on other people’s buildings” (Gary Culotti). This factor makes it easy to understand why people can be against graffiti if people do it on private property. Instead, there should be public spaces where it is allowed so it will decrease the amount of money spent on covering it up. Making it illegal for people to do graffiti makes people want to do it so much more, it never actually stops it.

Graffiti is art, we should make a better way for people to showcase their art rather than banning it. No one should worry about their private property, having graffiti if they don’t want it. But, it should also be recognized as art, some art shows a message others are beautiful. Graffiti is an art form and should be allowed and given public access for people to tag on.

“banksy graffiti london EC1” by eadmundo is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0