Is Graffiti Art or Vandalism

Graffiti is art. It shows dfferent aspects and different creative outlines in a form of public, social, political and personal messages. Graffiti can be used to bring awareness to underprivleged groups, it can be used as a way to protest or advocate. Graffiti is a type of street art and can be explicit and used to show many reasons. The former famous graffiti artist Banksy often used examples of how graffiti is a form of art and how it impacts the artists recognition. “One of the most famous graffiti artists, Banksy, has had his work shown in galleries such as Sotheby’s in London. Despite his anonymity, the British artist has gained tremendous popularity. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have purchased his work for a hefty price” (Graffiti as Art. A Nod From The Art Crowd). Graffiti is a form of art because it allows the creativity and the artist to express thyself.

Graffit is a way to send messages and reinforcing its purpose, giving the artist credit for their art creation, rather than labeling it as vandalism. “Recognition by the art world and inclusion in galleries and auctions is one way that graffiti art is legitimized as “real” art. In addition, this exposure has helped the graffiti movement to become launched into the rest of the world” (Graffiti as Art). The graffiti artists value the places they chose to be creative and where they want to show off there work. They either get permission to do it on private property but sometimes its obstacles. “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). In other words graffiti shows creativity, personal expression and social economy.

Graffiti is seen in different point of views from everyone. People see it as not very neat in someplaces, looks like a slum, not appropriate for the neighborhood, etc. “Plus, residents see graffiti as an eyesore. Graffiti that is gang-related or expresses hateful sentiments is most likely to be unwelcome in an area” (Graffiti as Vandalism).

There are those who consider graffiti to be a type of vandalism. Graffiti is seen in a individual eye. It showcases the individual creavtivity and brings in the community engagement. How I see the graffiti as art, I see it as a mural to remember someone that has passed, a welcoming sign to a city or state, and etc. Driving through Lewiston, Maine, you’ll see graffiti on electrical boxes, but it’s displayed as artful murals.

“Inside the Straat Museum for Street Art and Graffiti – Amsterdam, Netherlands” by Joetography LLC is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.