Chavez

Carmen Chavez-Aguirre
Professor Jackie Hymes
English 115 MW 11-12:15
7 October 2014
Graffiti: Art or Vandalism?
Graffiti is often known as a defacement of property or vandalism, but many fail to
see that some street art is created in order to advocate positive messages. Art is defined as
the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination usually in a visual
form. As opposed to graffiti which is defined as writing or drawings that are scribbled,
scratched, or sprayed on a wall or other surface in a public area. As seeing from just the
definitions, graffiti is captured with a negative connotation while art takes on a more
positive one. Many can argue the point that graffiti is simply art expressed through out
communities to help beautify the streets. Street art is used to help inspire others and send
positivity through out a community and show ones culture.
All type of art done on a wall or without permission is considered vandalism.
There are forms of vandalism that should not be considered art. For example, gangs often
use graffiti in order to show the possession of territory. Vandalism is graffiti that
advertises bad behavior and crimes. (Barahona) As Barahona states, vandalism includes
negativity meaning if there is street art with a positive implication then it should not have
an undesirable title such as graffiti or vandalism. There is one artist who spends his time
using graffiti to promote important messages, he is an anonymous artist that goes by the
name Banksy. His messages are so strong and inspiring that Bristol City Council is even
attempting to keep his vandalism around as art. In an article an author stated, Murals

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by graffiti artist Banksy are so important that they should be considered part of Britain's
heritage and given legal protection, academics have argued. (Daily Mail) The respect
shown by both City Council and people that appreciate Banksys art is proof that there
are in deed form of graffiti that can be and should be respected and preserved. Some
people describe him as Both cleaver and self-effacing when he speaks about his work.
He is full of clever-but-meaningful quotes about the nature of his work as well as his
opinions on graffiti and the art world at large. He is at once crass but also deeply
thoughtful in a way that those familiar with his work might not be entirely surprised
(Banksy). Many young artists such as Banksy use this art to send messages; including,
the growing issues of poverty and racism. For most, looking at graffiti all they see is
unpleasant, unattractive images of a corrupt neighborhood, but some artwork may appear
to have a deeper more interesting meaning. Street art is present almost everywhere and it
is not necessarily vandalism if it carries some type of artistic message; some even believe
it is appropriate as long as its purpose is not solely to deface property. Art should be
viewed as a way to express oneself in every, and any way possible. For instance, some
people have a complex time trying to express feeling or relive anger and stress. These
people could use graffiti or street art as a way to relive stress and express themselves
through something very meaningful and creative to inspire others to do so as well. It is
stated, People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish. But thats only if its done
properly. (38). In one persons eyes, all they see is unattractive, unimaginative drawings,
but, in someone elses eyes, they see beauty and creativity all tied together with a
powerful message and give some a sense of accomplishment. Just as the saying goes, one
mans trash is another mans treasure. If this form of art is difficult to understand, dont

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judge it based on others opinions.

Graffiti is often misinterpreted and seen as a crime but this is not always the case.
Many people only see the negative side to street art, including vandalism, gang activity
and other things along those lines. The truth is if graffiti was more accepted by society
then street artist wouldnt have to vandalize property to get peoples attention. Many
question street art because they say is encourages graffiti, but that is not true. Many say,
New technology has helped. We installed video cameras at hotspots throughout the
district discouraging further tagging. But the key was combining technology with
immediate community organizations (Hassett). That would be like saying that horror
movies inspire people to become ludicrous killers. Many art critics believe Graffiti is
also criticized for being too hard to understand, but certainly this cannot keep graffiti
from being art anymore then the obscurity of abstract art or Picassos cubism prevents
either one of those hard to understand art forms from being considered as art. (38). Art
does not need to be understood to be considered art. Just as beauty is in the eye of the
beholder, art is in the eye of the artist; it shouldnt need to make sense to anyone but the
artist. After all, it is his or her work. However, these accusations arent true.
Art is not something that should be restricted. Instead of restricting street artists,
they should be encouraged. For example, having a selected area within cities where it is
acceptable to illustrate meaningful, creative and unique art. Giving the artists a place of
their own could resolve a lot of conflict and it could be a very good solution to the
growing graffiti problem. Many researchers would agree, stating, For every exhibition,
we do a whole range of programs to engage with local people. From organizations, which
help create murals to people who allow others to legally paint on their walls, there will be

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plenty of opportunities for people to express themselves creatively in an environment

thats controlled and structured. (Greiner). Street art should be seen through perspective
that it is justified in moderation and can result in positive outcomes.
Another advantage to street art is that it can be used as occupancy and a source of
income. Many street artists use their talent and work to make money. For instance,
Banksy has been noticed and many have adored his work. Famous collectors have
purchased his art; many appreciate his work at several famous art galleries around the
entire world. Street artists have been seen as incompetent unintelligent people whom
vandalize simply to deface property but they are wrong to think that. In contrast, many of
these artists are highly intelligent clever people, Banksy being an example. Fans state,
Bankey is both clever and self-effacing when he speaks about his work. He is full of
cleaver-but-meaningful quotes about the nature of his work as well as his opinions on
graffiti and the art world at large. He is at once crass but also deeply thoughtful in a way
that those familiar with his work might not be entirely surprised by (Banksy). Street
artists are good at what they do and they are educated about what they do unlike how
some perceive them to be. Think about it, why is it that people are so quick to criticize
graffiti, but it takes them forever to accept it or even consider it an art? Through people
vandalizing and defacing property, a new form of artistic expression and characteristics
have been born, this new era of graffiti is being called Piece short for the Masterpieces
that street artists are creating.
All in all, street art is a very unique special and distinctive form of art, and it
should be considered art. Graffiti should not be thought of as vandalism or a defacement
of property, because it is a meaningful way to express ones thoughts and feelings. It is

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also a way to send messages about important things such as poverty, racism and the
growing issue of violence. Street art is a way to bring peace and unity though out
neighborhoods. Those who think that graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish only think
this way because they are too immature to understand the meaning of true art. Art is art,
weather it is accepted or not and nothing will change that. A true artist will take the time
and patience to see the real talent behind street art.

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Works Cited
Barahona, Jessica. Graffiti: Art or Vandalism?. Web
Daily Mail Reporter. Banksys Graffiti is Part of Nations Heritage. 6 August 2011.
DailyMail. Web.
Anthony, Andrew. Banksy. 19 April 2014. TheGuardian. Web.