An Art of the World

Graffiti is a form of art that is often looked down upon as vandalism due to the location it is created on. It is not always done completely legally because the artists choose to create their works on other people’s properties without asking for permission. “If it wasn’t for the fact that most graffiti is placed on private property without the owner’s permission, then it might be more recognized as a legitimate form of art” (“Is Graffiti Art?”). Although graffiti has a large stigma behind it, a lot of the time graffiti is just another style of art and just like other forms of art. Graffiti usually has a hidden message relating to something happening in the world at the time and sometimes is the only way the artist can get their message across to a widespread of people, and an artist might not have another way to get their message out there.

A lot of the time, graffiti is considered just a form of vandalism, without looking deeper and giving any thought to the meaning behind it due to the fact that it is done without permission. The artist’s intention behind the graffiti should also be taken into account, “…graffiti cannot be disregarded because of its location and illegality. The manner in which graffiti art is executed is the only obstacle it faces in being considered an art form.” (“Graffiti as Art”). If the artists were to get permission before creating the art, then the meaning behind the piece might be noticed or appreciated more and it might not be looked at so negatively. They might want to remain anonymous, or might not have other places to create this art and the public would never see their art if they didn’t just put it out there. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding graffiti can cause an area to be associated with crime and have an area avoided because of it. People believe that graffiti is vandalism and want to avoid those places. The areas are often associated with “Public disorder crimes, such as littering and loitering and other forms of property destruction are sometimes related to graffiti crimes” (“Graffiti as Vandalism”). The art form is considered to be a form of destruction in the public eye, but the art itself is usually colorful and tells a story or spreads a message, unfortunately, the message is often overlooked because of the focus solely on vandalism.

But a different perspective is that it can be upsetting for property owners to find these art pieces on their property when it was not discussed with them before the piece showed up on the building. One store owner says, “It’s not hard and it may in fact, be, art but they shouldn’t be putting it on other people’s buildings” I think if artists want a friendlier way for their art to be displayed in public the best way for this to happen is to get permission of the owner (“Graffiti: Art or Vandalism?”). Gaining permission from the property owner may help this art form and artist gain popularity in the public eye Art exhibits are starting to pop up, talking about the history of the art form and display people’s works of art, I think these options make it easier for the public to understand the art pieces, and can even help people see the message easier especially if they can ask questions about an art piece.

In conclusion, whether graffiti is done on the side of a building or in an art exhibit, it is still a form of art that takes time and planning to complete and every piece is unique, just like any other form of art. Even though the stigma around this art form can sway people’s opinions one way or another, I think the art form is a good way for the artist to express themselves and get a message out to people, but I think these artists should ask for permission from property owners before the art is made to prevent defacing someone else property. There are also many other options for a artist to create works without resorting to vandalism such as creating and having art displayed in a gallery or just by making personal pieces at home.

“Graffitti- Art” by Hëamon is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

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