Art??

The video on graffiti today really made me stop and think about how I view graffiti. These are some of the things that I questioned in my mind...

Is graffiti a good way to express art? Is it beautiful? What rules should govern the world of graffiti? What sort of cause does graffiti serve?

In all honesty, i've never been a huge fan of graffiti. To me when I see it, I think, wow that looks cool but why would they put it there? I've never really understood why people tag. By watching the documentary, I was able to see the other side of the spectrum. I see how graffiti is more than just pretty colors but that it is a  or THE way that some people express themselves. It shows the world that those few artists have a voice (a loud one at that). I think it is amazing how many artists use their skills to make art over buildings and billboards for all to see. It can change the way people feel about certain political topics or simply make them think about the world they live in.

This is all great and stuff but I still don't really think that graffiti is the most effective way to make your voice heard. Some of the artists in the video were making really beautiful pieces of art that had deep meanings but then there were others who seem to be destroying the art of graffiti. The scene on L.A. just made me feel sick. It made me feel sick because those people are taking a beautiful thing and turning it into a tool in their gang wars. There are many who have abused graffiti by making it all about marking your territory. They write their names all over the city in big ugly letters. Those markings are attached to gangs of the city. What good is that serving? Is that bettering society? After thinking long and hard about it, I say no! That kind of art only creates property damage and an increase in hate amongst one another. Let me explain. It creates a hate between those who wish to see the city clean and the taggers. It also creates hate between those who are marking their territories.

I believe that if the tagging is causing a lot of unrest amongst the people of the community, then it should not be used. That completely destroys its purpose! Graffiti should be used to express ideas or bring light to social causes. I feel like in places like Paris, Sao Paulo, and Tokyo, that is how it is being used. Its having a positive influence. Tagging just for the sake of tagging or tagging to show that "i'm a bad ass" are not good reasons.

To end on a positive note, I really thought it was amazing how important graffiti is to the artists in the video. I remember one man said, "Graffiti is not an expression. Its me, its my life." Graffiti is a part of those people. It is something that they are addicted too. I like how their work is their gift to their cities. So often we judge as soon as we see spray paint. We either think, "ooo pretty!" or "those hooligans!" But to those artists its not about the colors or the design on the outside, its all about the deeper meaning. How cool is that? One has to admire the connection between these artists and their work.

In conclusion I say graffiti is good. Its a good way to make your voice heard. The real question is, what message are you trying to convey? Social cause? Great. To express your feelings? Sure. But please, if its to show how tough you are, leave your spray cans at home. Graffiti is meant to bring people and ideas together. Not to spur feelings of hate. Thats my opinion anyways.