Grafitti - Art or Vandalism?
September 25th 2007 08:41
Graffiti (singular: graffito; the plural is more common) is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, or painted on property that does not belong to the artist. Graffiti is often regarded by others as unsightly damage or unwanted vandalism.
Examples of graffiti styles
Ancient graffiti carved by pilgrims at Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Old City of Jerusalem
Independentist grafitti in CataloniaGraffiti has existed since ancient times, with examples going back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.[1] Graffiti can be anything from simple scratch marks to elaborate wall paintings. In modern times, spray paint and markers have become the most commonly used materials. In most countries, defacing property with graffiti without the property owner's consent is considered vandalism, which is punishable by law. Sometimes graffiti is employed to communicate social and political messages. To some, it is an art form worthy of display in galleries and exhibitions. However, the public generally frowns upon "tags" that deface bus stops, trains, buildings, playgrounds and other public property. (net sourced)
As most people will be aware, graffitti and tagging spring up everywhere althought some areas of the city seem to attract taggers more than most. Even Jo Giles in the mayoral debate mentioned about tagging and how solutions should be created.
But what is art and what is just vandalism? I guess it depends on your viewpoint really as when I was out and about on Sat, I saw some various styles of graffitti, some very good and some was just scrawl. But I will let you judge for yourself.
Addington, Christchurch
Columbo St overbridge, Chch
Old Rail Sheds, Chch
This is a good pic, showing the outlines before the artwork is finished
To me the first couple of pics and the last is just vandalism where as the others is art and I would say that judging by the size of them all, its quite likely that it was a paid commisson?
Words and photography
Heath Ling
Examples of graffiti styles
Ancient graffiti carved by pilgrims at Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Old City of Jerusalem
Independentist grafitti in CataloniaGraffiti has existed since ancient times, with examples going back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.[1] Graffiti can be anything from simple scratch marks to elaborate wall paintings. In modern times, spray paint and markers have become the most commonly used materials. In most countries, defacing property with graffiti without the property owner's consent is considered vandalism, which is punishable by law. Sometimes graffiti is employed to communicate social and political messages. To some, it is an art form worthy of display in galleries and exhibitions. However, the public generally frowns upon "tags" that deface bus stops, trains, buildings, playgrounds and other public property. (net sourced)
As most people will be aware, graffitti and tagging spring up everywhere althought some areas of the city seem to attract taggers more than most. Even Jo Giles in the mayoral debate mentioned about tagging and how solutions should be created.
But what is art and what is just vandalism? I guess it depends on your viewpoint really as when I was out and about on Sat, I saw some various styles of graffitti, some very good and some was just scrawl. But I will let you judge for yourself.
Columbo St overbridge, Chch
Old Rail Sheds, Chch
This is a good pic, showing the outlines before the artwork is finished
To me the first couple of pics and the last is just vandalism where as the others is art and I would say that judging by the size of them all, its quite likely that it was a paid commisson?
Words and photography
Heath Ling
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Comment by D. Armenta
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I think the drawings can be defined as art, easily. The scribbling--well, I guess those people can't draw.
Graffiti is from sgraffito, which defines a style of art in which designs were etched into pottery using wire or sticks. (Just a nerdy little tidbit for you there)
Not sure of the source, but I believe there is documented evidence of a crude recording being picked up of the thump of the potter's wheel as he or she etched their design with a wire...
Very interesting pics and post. Thanks!
Dana
Comment by Brenton
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Easy answer.