Is Graffiti Art

Many people may have mixed feelings about if graffiti is truly art. The people who do it certainly are talented but they can express their talents in many, many other ways. The reason graffiti is vandalism is because the artist who creates it most of the time the “graffiti is placed on private property without the owner’s permission.” ( Dolan 1) Since it is without permission or knowledge this is not anything close to legal. While growing up I always thought graffiti was so cool and looked so unique, but as I grew up I realized it is not safe and it is not legal. It is vandalism.

A lot of times graffiti is innocent and someone just wanted to be expressive, but there are other times where people will put things such as racist symbols, slurs, etc. onto public walls for everyone around them to see. This may hurt many people out there who just happen to be walking or driving by. Let’s not even mention the fact that graffiti is hard to get off, I would imagine. It is paint after all. Some people have found ways to get the paint off. “Paints have been developed that basically cause graffiti paint to dissolve when applied, or else make it quick and easy to remove.” (Dolan 1) It is very fortunate that these solutions have been created. If i was walking by and saw a piece of graffiti that was offensive or threatening I would be uneasy and would question who would let that be there. Now it does not need to be permanent.

This issue is not only offensive to some but it “becomes costly for taxpayers and business and property owners.” ( Dolan 4) These things will not be handled for free, they cost money. I do not think it is such a big deal if the graffiti is not hurtful or offensive but instead is more of a mural, however the supplies to remove the graffiti is still needed since there are bad people out there. Removing graffiti takes time and money away from people. The supplies along with having to pay someone to srub away the vandalism is all money being taken away from buisnesses and taxpayers.

When I drive to new places I have never been before, I tend to look around and get a feel for my surroundings. If I see buildings with graffiti I would assume that the people do not care about how the town or area is percieved. ‘When an area has extensive graffiti, people tend to view it as a “bad neighborhood.” Nearby property value may decrease and crime may increase.” ( Dolan 4) Graffiti may be a sign of dangerous people such as gangs or drug dealers. Gangs like to put their symbol where it can be seen, to mke their presence known and scare off people.

These are all reasons I believe graffiti is not art, it is a sink hole for money, it is being placed on private property, it makes the area it is in look like a bad area even if it truly is not.

“Graffitti” by Max Kiesler is licensed under CC BY 2.0.