Graffiti: Vandalism or a work of art? (garage door, property)

[illinoisboy]

(flickr)

(flickr)

(flickr)

Graffiti. We've all seen it. Whether it be on the side of a building, a train, or maybe the overpass above the highway. Perhaps even on your own garage door.

We all have different opinions about it, though.

What do you think?

Do you consider graffiti as senseless vandalisn, or is it something more?


(Gang graffiti dosen't count)

[TomDot]

95% is urban blight.
The 5% done by talented, misguided youth can be attractive if it is done in the right place.

[cpg35223]

If it's painted on a canvas, then it's art.

If it's defacing somebody else's building or public property, then it's vandalism. I just refuse to succumb to rationalization on this subject. If you want to paint something, do it in a way that doesn't damage somebody else's property.

[Stormcrow73]

I think graffiti of the non-gang type you're talking about would be very artistic if, as cpg says, it is done on a canvas or gessoed board but not on someone else's wall.

[BlueWillowPlate]

I guess I agree with TomDot.
Banksy is in a category all by himself.



Most graffiti "artists" cannot compare, although one of my favorite Denver artists, who is now a sculptor, began somewhat like Banksy, (but she was much less flamboyant).

[houstoner]

Art when it's done well or making a political statement. If it's just some crap on concrete, then it's graffiti.

[TheWereRabbit]

The first 2 pieces you put up were decent, the last is stupid.

Run-down buildings can always benefit from graff

[LASam]

Vandalism. We can't pick and chose which graffiti is acceptable and which isn't... because then all the interpretations of what is/isn't art come into play. Therefore, I take the stance it is all vandalism (unless solicited). The perpetrator should have to clean the wall themselves/pay to have it cleaned, and pay punitive damages.

[jamesandveybe]

Graffiti is art in the wrong place.

[90210 Beverly Hills]

Los Angeles king of Graffiti